Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 06/12/2025 01:25 am by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are three general techniques used. You must be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious calamity seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!