Backgammon Blocking Opponents
A backgammon player will eventually learn the fine balance between racing to finish the game and blocking the opponent, to ensure that obstacles and primes along the way slow the other side down. A player can block the opponent by occupying points and thus slow the opponent’s advancement to his own home board. Players should plan their blocking strategy from the beginning of the game to ensure that their blocking rows are evenly distributed on the board. Learning how to successfully block opponents takes some practice and players can get this by playing at online backgammon sites.
Blocking Primes
One of the best strategies to win a backgammon game is to build strategically placed primes around the board. When two or more of a player’s checkers occupy a point in consecutive rows, this is known as a prime block. Opponents are thus prevented from advancing across the board. When there is a gap between these rows, this is known as a broken prime. By using this strategy, players can also score more points in the backgammon game.
Backgammon Blocking Opponents: Implementation
Players should aim in creating consecutive rows when building their blocking strategy. These prove most effective in obstructing the opponent’s advancement across the board. In addition, players should place these rows in strategic places on the board. The rows should ideally be placed in the middle of the board where they will be more effective. Players should aim to move checkers together and not one at a time. This ensures that players create options for future blocks later in the game, if need be. Finally, players should try and see the future advantages of placing primes on the board. For example, a block on the home board could be highly effectual for preventing an opponent from entering the board after he has been hit.
Creating Anchors
A player can create an anchor on the opponent’s home board by establishing two or more checkers on a point there. This strategic point is used to prevent the opponent from advancing, but can also serve to ensure that the player does not get hit by the opponent, or that the player holds a position for attack. By creating an anchor, the player ensures that the opponent cannot move from his position and thus, cannot make open points. It is of no importance at which stage of the game the anchor is created – either at the beginning of the game or as the game advances.
