04.18
Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques
In exceptionally general terms, there are three chief plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious calamity because they have 2 checkers 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 opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!