Backgammon – 3 General Plans
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic strategies employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!