Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies
In very general terms, there are three basic strategies used. You need to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!