Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 chief strategies used. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!