Backgammon Tricks

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic plans used. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between 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 as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger 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 tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The better places for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!