Backgammon – 3 Main Techniques
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief strategies used. You must be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two 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 opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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