Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 01/02/2016 08:21 am by Lillie
In very general terms, there are 3 chief techniques used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!