Backgammon – 3 General Strategies
In very simple terms, there are three basic plans used. You want to be agile enough to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious trouble taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!