Backgammon

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In very simple terms, there are three basic strategies used. You want to be able to hop between tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move 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 two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!