Backgammon – 3 Basic Schemes
Posted in Backgammon on 03/09/2022 02:25 am by Lillie
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main tactics employed. You must be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!