Backgammon Tips Winning Backgammon Tips

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In very general terms, there are three chief plans employed. You want to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious dire straits considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor's home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are near your competitor's smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, because you do not have other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!