Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques

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In astonishingly general terms, there are three general techniques used. You must be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!