Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
In extraordinarily general terms, there are three chief techniques used. You need to be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action 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 might manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!