Backgammon – 3 General Strategies
In very simple terms, there are 3 general plans used. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!