Backgammon Secrets

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In very simple terms, there are three general tactics employed. You must be able to hop between tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!