Backgammon – 3 General Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 06/04/2024 11:25 am by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are three main plans used. You want to be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective 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 forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have other spare pieces to shift! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!