The currently prevalent backgammon strategy suggests escaping one's runners first and then blocking the opponent on one's home board.
However, I would like to suggest a somewhat different strategy. First, it is better to try and prevent the opponent from escaping with high numbers such as 6, even at the expense of exposing blots. This strategy is effective, since today most players first think about escaping and only then consider all other needs.
Once you prevent the opponent from escaping, he runs into a problem and changes his strategy. Then you can start searching for an escape path from the opponent's home board, even if it means exposing your runners. The opponent will look to hit your checkers at any price, even at a liability to himself. The stress of being blocked will lead the opponent to make numerous mistakes.
After escaping your own checkers and with the opponent still stock in your territory, carefully bear in your checkers. Try to prevent the opponent from hitting your checkers under any possible combination of numbers (unless there are no other alternatives). While bearing off the checkers, try to keep an even number of checkers on each point, as this will lower your risk of being hit.
As we all know, in backgammon not every plan works, and sometimes the dice have plans of their own. However, there is still a solution.
Let's say that you are trying to block the opponent at the expense of leaving distant blots, which are still hit. The game is not lost just yet. If you have been hit more than twice, try to create two anchors on the opponent's home board, even if it means creating shots for the opponent. At a certain point, the opponent will be likely to leave blots, which will raise your chances of hitting his checkers and returning them to your home board, which by now should be strong.
Still, keep in mind that backgammon involves a good deal of luck. Sometime, people run into a lucky streak and don't know what to do with it. Should you be lucky, this is the perfect way to take advantage of your luck.
Good luck
User name: yakirm |
