Posted by Darien | Posted in Backgammon | Posted on 06-05-2023
In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You want to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!