Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies
In exceptionally general terms, there are three chief tactics used. You want to be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, because you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!