Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies
Posted in Backgammon on 11/30/2023 06:25 pm by ZaireIn very general terms, there are three main plans used. You want to be agile enough to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time difficulty considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!