Backgammon Tips Winning Backgammon Tips

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious trouble taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor's home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are towards your opponent's lower points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there's no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don't have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it's more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!