Backgammon Information

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics employed. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!