Backgammon – Three General Plans
In very general terms, there are three chief plans used. You need to be able to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!