Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 09/17/2019 09:25 am by LillieIn exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You need to be able to switch game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious dire straits seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!