Backgammon Tricks

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You must be able to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!