Backgammon – Three General Plans

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!