Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three fundamental game plans used. You want to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits since they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!