Backgammon – 3 General Schemes
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main tactics used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!