Backgammon – Three Main Techniques
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three chief techniques employed. You need 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 deep as you might manage, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!