Backgammon – 3 Basic Techniques

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Posted by Darien | Posted in Backgammon | Posted on 12-03-2019

In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!

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