Backgammon Tactics and When to Use Them
Backgammon strategies can be very complex, involving mental calculations, thinking and strategizing on the fly. Therefore it is important for the player to know the basic tactics by heart and when to employ them.
The tactics to be used in backgammon is very much dependent on the number rolls generated early in the match. As an example: if your early rolls are big (i.e. 5-6), it means that your checkers can be moved quickly to your home board. In that case the running game strategy should be used, as it is most effective when rapid checker movement is possible.
The most effective backgammon strategy for attack is the blitz. If you hit your opponent early, you render your him immobile; by keeping his checker (or checkers) on the bar you can move aggressively. But if you do not get an early hit or the checkers are of equal number then the blitz will not work.
The holding game strategy involves keeping a checker on the adverse home board, preferably near the bar point. This has two advantages: one, it increases your chances of hitting a checker as they are brought forward. Second if you get hit it may give you a good place to reenter.
Another popular backgammon tactic is the priming game. Here the goal is to establish a consecutive series of points (called a "prime"), 1-5 or 1-6 on your outer board. Using this tactic you can entrap your opponent, opening the way for an attack.
One final backgammon tactic worth noting is the back game. Some players do not consider this as a strategy at all because it is used only if you are on the losing end. It involves placing as many checkers as you can afford on the opposing home board and use your other checkers to try and trap. For this strategy to work big rolls are needed.
Now to the matter of doubling. First to state the obvious: do not double when trailing a match or your lead is slim. However, if you are in a strong position, do not automatically offer a double. Consider this scenario: if you double and your opponent drops, you win. But what if your position was such that had you continued play, he could have lost a gammon? So analyze the situation first.
If your opponent takes, it is all right, provided that your lead is sizable. You will probably win anyway, and if you lose at least you would still have the lead (or at least keep matters close).
In match situations remember the following backgammon stactics: if your opponent is two games from winning the match and doubles, redouble. You have nothing to lose. If you are ahead, think twice about doubling. If in a match to 5 you lead 4-3 but he is wining the game and offers double, drop. Settle for the tie.
We have barely scratched the surface of backgammon strategies and tactics. Read and play as much as you can, and soon yo will be good enough to play in money tourneys.