Backgammon – Three Main Strategies

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In very simple terms, there are 3 chief tactics employed. You want to be able to switch techniques quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. 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 quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious trouble seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!