Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main tactics used. You want to be able to hop between techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!