Backgammon – 3 General Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 01/22/2026 08:25 am by Zaire
In very simple terms, there are three fundamental techniques used. You want to be able to hop between techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!