Backgammon – Three General Strategies
In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental plans used. You need to be able to hop between strategies 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 might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers 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 between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!