Backgammon

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other spare checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!