Backgammon – 3 Basic Techniques

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time calamity considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!