Backgammon – 3 Main Techniques

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You must be able to hop between tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this case!