Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 10/11/2020 09:25 am by Zaire
In very simple terms, there are 3 general strategies used. You need to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!