Backgammon – Three Basic Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 02/14/2025 10:25 am by Madisyn
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three fundamental strategies used. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!