Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 10/02/2025 07:25 am by Madisyn
In very simple terms, there are three basic game plans used. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious dire straits considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!