Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
In exceptionally general terms, there are three fundamental tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty because they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!