Backgammon – Three Basic Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 09/22/2021 01:25 pm by Madisyn
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main plans used. You need to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, considering that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!