Backgammon – 3 Basic Schemes
In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 fundamental game plans used. You need to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!
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