Backgammon – Three Main Techniques

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 fundamental game plans used. You need to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!