Backgammon – 3 General Techniques

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious calamity since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!