Backgammon – Three Main Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 03/22/2023 07:25 pm by Jillian
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three chief plans used. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious calamity considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!