Posted by Nadia | Posted in Backgammon | Posted on 19-01-2016
In very simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer 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 plan is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!