Backgammon – 3 Basic Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 09/27/2022 03:25 am by Madisyn
In exceptionally general terms, there are three fundamental strategies employed. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’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 reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!