Backgammon – 3 General Techniques

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

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

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 competitor tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The strongest places for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!