One of the oldest games in the world, backgammon is exceeding popular and seems very simple to play, but it’s the complex strategies of backgammon that truly make the game enjoyable. Of course, learning backgammon strategies can be challenging initially, but once you have a firm grasp of what helps and what doesn’t the game gets even more exciting.
Backgammon is heavily dependent on the use of rolls. With every game you have good rolls and bad rolls, and to be an effective player you have to know what to do with every roll you make.
Create an Anchor
Your first order of business is to create an anchor on your opponent’s home board. This is purely defensive in nature, but it can be a safe landing place at least. If you can, create your anchors on the higher points like 20 or 21. Two anchors next to each other is ideal, and having them available makes it possible to get your checkers back on the board quickly.
Build a Prime
Get six points in a row and you’ll be able to block your opponent’s checkers. The prime is considered another form of defense. It allows you to cross, but your opponent will likely be trapped behind it giving you an advantage – even in the downturns of the game. If you build a prime on your own board, it will be called a “closed board” since your opponent now can’t enter from the bar and you have many more opportunities to play effectively.
Hit Your Opponent When It Works for You
Don’t get unruly and just hitting because it’s fun to hit. Instead, use your hit to increase the strength of your game while also ensuring that your hit doesn’t help your opponent. Your hit should make the other guy work harder to evade you rather than advancing his own position, but be especially wary of hitting a blot when your own board has plenty of blots in it because you may mess up your own game instead of helping it.