Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You need to be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious calamity seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!