Planning Ahead to Make the Best Backgammon Moves
At first glance it would seem impossible for a backgammon player to plan his moves in advance. Planning ahead is pretty obvious in games like chess and pool where players can think and plan their next 3 or so moves.
Since backgammon has a random element to it (i.e. the dice) planning ahead doesn't seem that obvious. We might think that since the results of the dice rolls are random, then our moves will be random as well. It is true in some respects, but not always.
That may not always be the case when we are planning ahead in backgammon. Let's discuss some of the things that contribute to planning ahead in backgammon.
When deciding on your next moves the first lesson in planning ahead is don't worry too much about the minor details alone. We are not saying we don't pay attention to the little details, what we're saying is don't focus on what's directly in your face.
For instance when you're planning ahead you don't just think about the blot that your opponent can hit but think on other items on the board as well. Planning ahead requires one to ask himself questions like 'is our opponent going to set something up after making that hit? If he doesn't make that hit what is he trying to do with his checkers on the board then?'
Take a panoramic view of things when planning ahead. For example you are in the lead in a game, you have about two checkers left on the outfield. You just need to roll a double to establish home board points real quick.
A player who plans his moves ahead won't just wait for the double to come, he would arrange the checkers on the home board to maximize on the end game.
When we're planning ahead we need to keep flexibility in mind. When we talk about flexibility we are referring to the way our checkers are arranged on the board. When planning ahead, include how you would arrange your checkers to accomodate doubles and awkward rolls.
When considering a strategy, be aware that a back game would require more planning ahead. It takes a subtle approach to planning ahead to have your checkers hit and establish an an anchor while setting up your home board.
One last advantage is when we're planning ahead before the end-game we would have positioned our checkers smoothly on the home board before engaging in the race.
A player who is planning ahead from the start has a more solid game than the player who just waits on the chance moves from the dice. His moves are more natural even if the dice rolls don't go his way.