Backgammon – Three General Schemes


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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic game plans used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!

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