Backgammon

Backgammon Strategy
Backgammon is a highly enjoyable game but like any game that involves skill you will get more enjoyment and satisfaction if you play better and have the opportunity to win more often.

In general terms, there are 3 basic strategies that can be employed and you need to be able to switch between these strategies as the the game unfolds and idfferent tactics are required to maximise your chances of winning.

The Blockade
This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or as thick as you can, to block in the opponent's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy when the game commences. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game unfolds.

The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as you can aiming to keep your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now at a disadvantage as they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board.

The Backgame
This is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by 2 or more of your checkers.) It should be used when you are behind in the game an increases your chances of catching up. The best places for your anchors are towards your opponent's lower point and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between.

Timing is crucial for an effective backgame. There is no point having 2 good anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home. The reason is of course you don't want to leave yourself with no other spare checkers to move. In this scenario, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you can hold your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case.

Note: Some players go for a backgame from the start, but this strategy is flawed. The backgame is a strategy you employ when you are losing and at the start of the game you don't start out in a losing position so it should not be employed until you are later in the game.

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