Backgammon

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces 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 anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious dire straits because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there’s 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 right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!