Backgammon – 3 General Techniques

In exceptionally simple terms, there are three general game plans used. You need to be agile enough to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can manage, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious trouble taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, 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 opponent is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!

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