Backgammon – Three General Plans
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general plans employed. You must be able to switch game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious calamity considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, because you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!