Backgammon – 3 General Schemes
In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed 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 move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls 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 six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious trouble taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!
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