Backgammon – 3 General Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 10/03/2023 07:25 am by Madisyn
In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 chief game plans used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable 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 opponent to get them in this situation!