Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are three main plans used. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!