Backgammon – Three Main Schemes

In extraordinarily general terms, there are three main techniques used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!

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