Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 10/17/2026 07:25 pm by JillianIn exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main tactics employed. You must be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious calamity because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason 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 getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
