Backgammon – Three Main Strategies
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general game plans employed. You want to be able to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!

