Posted by Nadia | Posted in Backgammon | Posted on 26-01-2021
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three general strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity seeing 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 anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!