Backgammon Information

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In very simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques employed. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween 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 locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time calamity taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: after all, 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 opponent is getting their pieces home, because you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!