Backgammon Secrets

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In very simple terms, there are three basic plans employed. You must be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!