Backgammon Tips Winning Backgammon Tips

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are 3 general techniques used. You want to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time dire straits because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are close to your competitor's lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there's no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don't have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it's more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!