Backgammon – Three Main Schemes

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In very general terms, there are 3 general plans used. You want to be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: besides, there is 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 straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces 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 a great idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!