Backgammon – Three Main Schemes
In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques used. You must be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious trouble considering 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 anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!