The ABC’s of Backgammon Strategy

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

Because backgammon is largely a game of skill, a lot of attention is paid to improving our strategies so that we can ensure a better chance of winning our games. We provide a rundown of the ABC’s of backgammon strategy.
A is for Anchoring: Creating an anchor essentially involves making a defensive point in your enemy’s home board. If you get hit, you are therefore ensured a landing spot and you can also prevent the opponent from creating his home board with an anchor. Players are advised to try and create two anchor points, preferably numbers 20 and 21, early on in the game.

B is for Blocking (and Priming): In order to prevent the opponent ‘escaping’, it is advisable to create points, (preferably with no gaps between them), on your home board in front of enemy checkers. To start a blockade, players need to get down to blocking and priming as early on in the game as possible, and aim for points 5, 4 and 7 for maximum effect. Many professionals hammer home the importance of this backgammon strategy.

C is for Checker Distribution: Another important backgammon strategy involves the distribution of checkers on the backgammon board. Ideally, checkers should be distributed evenly across the board. Players should aim to avoid having six checkers on one point and instead go for 3 checkers on two different points on the board (instead of four on one point and two on another). Sticking to a basic backgammon strategy will ultimately go a long way in ensuring success.