Backgammon – Three General Plans

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three fundamental techniques employed. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to block 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 build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious trouble taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!