Backgammon – 3 Basic Techniques
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You need to be able to hop between tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-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 then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason 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 challenger is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!
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