Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 08/09/2023 03:25 pm by Jillian
In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity since 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 spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!