Backgammon – 3 Basic Strategies

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Posted by Darien | Posted in Backgammon | Posted on 28-08-2025

In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You want to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The best places for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!

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