Backgammon – Three Main Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 02/05/2026 10:25 am by Zaire
In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general plans used. You need to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!