Backgammon – 3 General Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 10/11/2016 08:21 am by Zaire
In very simple terms, there are 3 main tactics employed. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!