09.19
Backgammon – Three Main Strategies
In very general terms, there are 3 chief plans used. You need to be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious dire straits seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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