Backgammon – 3 Basic Strategies
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, because you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!