Backgammon – Three Basic Schemes
In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 fundamental game plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious calamity taking into account 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 opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is shifting 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 might maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!
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