Backgammon

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general game plans used. You need to be able to switch techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists 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 judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The best places for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare 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 competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!