Backgammon – Three Main Schemes
In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!