Bearing off in a Backgammon Game
Regardless of whether you use a running game or the blitz, the end goal of all games is to try and bear off all the checkers. While there are a lot of Backgammon strategies and tactics that you will have to consider in this regard, the following are some of the most essential.
If you are going to bear off, your Backgammon strategy will have to consider the situation on the board. If there are a lot of opposing checkers in the way, it can hamper your progress; a hit will place one of your men on the bar, making it difficult for you to proceed when you get the chance to act again.
For this reason, it is crucial that your Backgammon strategy for bearing off includes eliminating all possible threats first. If an opposing checker has an anchor on your home board, most will try to take it out first. However, that is not an option used by all players. Others prefer to just get all their checkers removed and winning the game.
Another consideration when bearing off in Backgammon is the distribution of your men on the board. Whenever possible, try to aim for the 3 highest points on your home board. This will allow you to get maximum use of the dice rolls that you will get and avoiding any wasted points. The distribution of pieces is also important at all stages of the game, as any strategy guide will tell you.
As you play Backgammon, there will be times when your efforts at bearing off will be stymied, either by your opponents or an unlucky roll. Whatever the case may be, it is essential that you keep your composure. If you get hit, be calm and just wait for the right roll to get your piece back in.
Once your checkers back in, you should assess the situation on the Backgammon board. Here you will need to decide, once all your pieces are at home, to bear off again or whether to eliminate the potential threats coming in.
The choice is up to the player, but in general, you will have to use your best judgment to determine if the threat can cause real damage, or it is a better Backgammon strategy to just continue removing your men.
Bearing off is the ultimate goal of every Backgammon game, and all your techniques and game plans revolves around this single purpose. The more time you spend studying the strategies, the easier you will find it to bear off checkers regardless of the situation on the baord.