Backgammon – 3 Basic Schemes

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You must be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!