Backgammon – Three General Strategies
Posted in Backgammon on 10/17/2024 03:25 am by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are 3 general game plans used. You need to be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious trouble seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until 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!