What is a Backgammon Blitz?
A backgammon blitz is an attacking strategy used by players on their opponent. Essentially, it involves attacking one or more of the other side’s checkers, while at the same time closing as many points to create rows in your home board to keep your opponent’s checkers on the bar. A blitz entails constantly hitting the opponent’s checkers until all the rows are formed. The success of a blitz is measured by the player’s ability to completely block his home board, all the while sending the opponent to the bar. A closeout will occur when the opponent cannot come back onto the backgammon board unless the player clears a point on his home board.
When should I avoid a Backgammon Blitz?
A backgammon blitz is considered a failure if the opponent manages to create an anchor in your home board. Players should think twice before committing to a blitz attack because if this strategy fails, they could easily find themselves losing the game. Never start a blitz if the opponent has the same amount – or more – home board points that you do. Since you are risking open points by creating your own home board points, you might find yourself on the bar too often to win the game.
How do I Create a Backgammon Blitz?
Firstly, you need to remember that the key to a successful blitz strategy is having your checkers spread evenly across the board. Try to create points with at least two checkers to reduce the risk of being hit yourself, however be prepared to take risks to set up a good blitz. To diminish your risks, try to create points out of the hitting range of the opponent (for example, more than six). Also, watch out that the opponent is not creating his own blitz prime, which will mean that he will be after all your exposed checkers.
Secondly, begin your blitz by creating as many points on your home board, while almost simultaneously hitting your opponent’s checkers.
What About Doubling in a Backgammon Blitz?
You should accept a double if there is no checker on the bar and the opponent holds two points or less on his home board. However, if the opponent has more than three points on his home board, a better solution in the long run might be to reject the doubling offer and thus lose the game.
Timing your double offer is important once the backgammon blitz is underway. This is because of the Jacoby rule that states that a game of gammon cannot be won if a player has not doubled at least once during a game. Therefore, look out for the moment when you have two or more points on the home board and the opponent cannot enter, to make a double.
