Backgammon – Three Basic Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 05/02/2020 01:25 am by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!