Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
Posted in Backgammon on 09/16/2022 03:25 pm by Lillie
In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time difficulty seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!