Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main plans employed. You want to be able to hop between game plans quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!