Backgammon – Three Main Strategies
Posted in Backgammon on 03/04/2025 02:25 pm by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are 3 general strategies used. You must be agile enough to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!