Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 01/21/2026 04:25 am by Zaire
In very simple terms, there are three basic techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time dire straits because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!