Backgammon Secrets

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques employed. You want to be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers 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 anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious trouble considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!