Backgammon

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 main strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!