Backgammon Tricks

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are three main plans employed. You must be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!