06.30
Backgammon – Three General Schemes
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three fundamental techniques used. You want to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this plan greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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