Backgammon Secrets

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics employed. You must be agile enough to switch strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!