Anchoring Backgammon

admin · Site Admin Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 862

Do you know how to play backgammon using a strong defensive strategy? Do you know how to plan your moves to take control of the most advantageous points on the board? The following information will teach you how anchoring backgammon checkers can help you win the game.

Firstly, let's look at a simple definition for an anchor in backgammon. An anchor is when you have two or more of your checkers on a point inside your opponent's home board. This can help you protect your other checkers as you move them across the board. If you start anchoring backgammon checkers, they are unable to be hit by your opponent because the rules dictate that you cannot hit a point occupied by more than one checker. Therefore if you are smart enough to create an anchor in your opponent's home board, you are creating a good situation for yourself in the final stages of the game.

There are various ways you can go about anchoring backgammon checkers to assist you in a strong defensive strategy. For example, if you build a single anchor on the three, four or five point on the board, you are in effect creating a "holding game." This will slow your opponent down and increase the difficulty in which he must move his checkers to safety. The deeper your anchors, the harder you make it for your opponent to bear off.

Knowing when to start anchoring backgammon comes down to personal choice. A back game can play a large part in a win. However, some players who spend a lot of time establishing anchors may not necessarily possess sound attacking strategies. Like everything in backgammon, anchoring is most effective when used in moderation. They are also most beneficial against opponents who prefer the running game.