In very simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious difficulty since they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!
This entry was posted on October 21, 2015, 10:21 am and is filed under Backgammon. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.