Backgammon Information

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general game plans employed. You want to be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!