Backgammon Strategies and Tactics
There are several Backgammon strategy guides that one will come across in the Internet, but not all of them are effective in actual game play. To win the game it is important to adjust your strategy as the game progresses.
In the opening and early stages, your Backgammon strategy will evolve around the dice rolls that you get. If you roll big ones, like 61 and 62, then you have plenty of options. But what happens when the dice turns up a lower number? Getting low rolls in the opening salvo of a Backgammon game can easily rattle new players.
With low numbers like 21 or 42, what a player should do is try and get a checker on the 4 or 5 point, but preferably the latter, as it is a more valuable position. Part of your Backgammon strategy and tactic must include getting an anchor inside the opposing home board, particularly in the early stages to prevent an early bear off.
As the game moves on, your Backgammon strategy must be able to take advantage of whatever rolls emanate from the dice. If you roll a 41, 24 or even a 62, take the opportunity to create space between your checkers. Try to get some checkers in the back and move at least one piece to the midpoint areas.
Properly spaced checkers gives a player certain advantages. One of them is that it reduces the chances of being hit one after the other. Another benefit is that it will give you the means to hit more opposing checkers and thus establish more anchors. Finally, when you get the big 53 or 65, you will be able to move quickly. If your pieces are stacked together, then these rolls will be wasted.
Of course, other factors have to be taken into account in your Backgammon strategy, such as gammons. If the opportunity presents itself, then by all means take it. However, it is also important to consider the overall game plan you have, and if the risk associated with such a move will be worth it.
It is also imperative on the part of the player to learn the proper tie to utilize the double. Although different players use different Backgammon strategies with regards to the double, some general rules include offering only when you are ahead by a substantial amount, and accepting the offer if your chances of winning the Backgammon game are less than 24%.
There are other Backgammon strategies and tactics that a player must learn. The professionals who compete and win in tournaments are continuously reevaluating and modifying their tactics, not just in the game, but also during practice times. Watching other players, learning from their success and failures, reading and analyzing are all part of a winning Backgammon strategy.
What this means is that to have an effective and winning Backgammon strategy, you need to be patient. While you will not always be successful, learn from your mistakes, and also you need to be composed and confident. With these skills in hand, you will be on your way to becoming a great Backgammon player.
