Backgammon – Three Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 10/11/2026 01:25 am by Jillian
In very simple terms, there are 3 main techniques employed. You need to be able to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!