Backgammon – 3 General Strategies
Posted in Backgammon on 11/03/2024 04:25 pm by Zaire
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general game plans employed. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious trouble because they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!