Backgammon – 3 Basic Techniques
In very simple terms, there are three chief strategies used. You need to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this case!