Backgammon – 3 General Plans

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In very simple terms, there are three main game plans employed. You must be agile enough to hop between strategies instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other spare pieces to shift! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!