Backgammon Information

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In exceptionally general terms, there are three general strategies used. You must be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!