Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
Posted in Backgammon on 03/23/2026 07:25 am by Lillie
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You need to be able to switch game plans almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating 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 judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!