Backgammon Information

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You need to be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

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

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious calamity due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, because you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!