How is my backgammon strategy?

GulBara · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 19

I am relatively new to backgammon and I have developed a strategy that I think is quite good and I use it in pretty much every game I play. This is to wait to move my runner checkers from the 24-point until I roll a double while I try to build a prime close to my own home board to trap my opponent’s runners. Does anyone else use this strategy? If not, how would you rate it?

Jade · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 27

Actually, sorry to tell you this but your strategy isn’t the best. Your strategy seems to be based on not taking any risks. A game made up of primes and waiting for the safe move won’t get you ahead in the game. Your opponent will probably notice that you are building a 6-point prime to trap him and get his runners out of there before you complete the prime. Leaving your own runners on the 24-point until you roll a double could also get you into trouble. After all, doubles are rare so it may take awhile and it gives your opponent the chance to use your own strategy on you and trap your checkers there with a prime. Also, trapping your opponents runners on your own 1-point with a prime may seem like a good idea, but once you start bearing off it could cause a lot of problems for you. It puts your opponent in a very good position to hit one of your checkers during bearoff, giving him time to make up the difference in the game. Especially if he has been able to create a prime in his homeboard trapping you on the bar.

Deuce · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 38

Aside from what’s already been said, it’s never a good idea to use the same strategy over and over. You said “I use it in pretty much every game I play”. If you keep using the same strategy then your opponents will be able to predict your every move and do all in their power to move against you and keep you from acting on your strategy.

I would also have to second the suggestion that you need to take risks. Forge ahead in the beginning of the game. Don’t be afraid to leave blots around the board. If your opponent starts hitting you then you can simply chance your strategy to a backgame strategy and start making anchors in your opponent’s home board. Your strategy isn’t horrible, just don’t rely on it all the time.