Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You want to be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining 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 continues.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!