How To Set Up a Backgammon Prime

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

If you are new to the game of backgammon and looking for a bit of backgammon strategy, a great tactic is to set up a backgammon prime.

A backgammon prime is a row of six "made points". A "made" point is simply a point with two or more of your checkers on it. When you "make" a point, your opponent can’t land on it. When you set up a row of six consecutive made points, your opponent cannot move until the prime is broken, simply because there are only six pips on a die. The prime serves as a blockade and is a fantastic defensive strategy.

If you set up a backgammon prime in your home board, then you trap your opponent’s blots that you have sent back to the bar. A great strategy is to set up a prime in your home board to block your opponent from entering the game until all of your checkers have reached your home board and you are ready to bear off. This nearly ensures you a win.

You can also set up a backgammon prime in your opponent's home board, preventing them from entering all of their checkers to finish the game.

If you can't spare twelve of your checkers to set up a prime backgammon blockage you may set up a 4-prime or 5-prime, using only four or five consecutive made points. While these blockages won't trap your opponent completely they are still great strategies in hindering your opponent's game.