Backgammon Information

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In very simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious trouble seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, because you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!