Backgammon – Three Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 02/21/2022 12:25 am by Zaire
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time dire straits considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!