Backgammon Tricks

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In very simple terms, there are three fundamental game plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!