Backgammon Secrets

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, because you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!