Backgammon – 3 General Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 02/08/2023 02:25 pm by Jillian
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic game plans used. You must be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious calamity seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!