Backgammon Tips

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three basic strategies used. You want to be able to switch techniques quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early two 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 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!