Backgammon – 3 General Schemes

In very simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You want to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious difficulty taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!

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