Backgammon Secrets

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

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate 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 shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effective 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 down this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!