Backgammon Tricks

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In very simple terms, there are 3 main game plans employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious dire straits seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!