Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques

September 29th, 2015 Wyatt Leave a comment Go to comments

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a competent 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 down this straight away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, considering that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!

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