Backgammon Tips

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!