Backgammon Secrets

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 general plans employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble since they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!