Backgammon – 3 General Techniques
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three fundamental tactics used. You must be agile enough to hop between techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts 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 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!