Backgammon – 3 Main Plans

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In very simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, because you do not have other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!