Backgammon – Three Main Techniques
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three main techniques used. You need to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to lock in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves 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 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!