Backgammon Strategy : Online Casino Games

Backgammon Strategy

There are a number of different, basic, and easy, approaches to winning at Backgammon. It may not always be the best idea to charge forward 100% and hit your opponent at every opportunity. On the other hand, many newcomers may also have a tendency to do avoid being hit at all costs which also has its downsides.

In the list and descriptions we`ve presented below, you will find a selection of different aspects of the game which need to be considered when determining your general approach. Familiarize yourself with the concepts and constantly reevaluate during the course of your games.

Distribution

Distribution is how evenly your checkers are spread around the board, and whether they are placed in advantageous positions providing the highest amount of options for each dice combination. A player with even distribution will often appear to get lucky rolls because he is able to choose the best possible move from a variety of sound alternatives. Having five or more checkers on a single point is often considered `bad` distribution because it limits your flexibility and often results in a forced play.

Exposure

One thing many beginners worry a lot about is leaving shots. Any professional will tell you that leaving shots, however, is absolutely essential when trying to establish a particular type of game but you need to consider when and where to leave them. Be careful when your opponent's home board is strong or has such potential. The more points that are made in his home board, the more difficult it will be to escape. Leaving shots early in the game involves less risk. On the other hand, if you have made several points in your home board, you have the benefit of being able to play more aggressively. And, if you are ahead in the race, try not to expose any blots, as you want to preserve your lead and keep your opponent out of the game.

Running Game

If you manage to get good rolls early in the game and are able to escape your back checkers (for example, an opening roll of 6-5 followed by a 6-4, or 6-3) you should immediately launch a `running game`. You have an early advantage in the race, and by continuing to move your checkers forward as quickly as possible, you are hoping to utilize that advantage. Running is only suggested, however, when you already have a substantial pip-count lead, or at the initial of the match where you roll good numbers (for example double-5s, or double-6s).

Blocking Game

The Blocking Game is used primarily when your opponent has thrown much better dice than you, and your only hope of winning the game is to keep a few checkers back and wait for a blot, hoping to prevent your opponent from getting out of his home board. Therefore, it is necessary to build a prime which will trap your opponent when the time comes. This strategy is defensive and requires fortunate dice rolls, but remember: luck is a huge part of the game!

Back Game

The Back Game is not exactly a strategy but more of a last-ditch/Hail-Mary effort to win the game from a notable disadvantage. The chances of winning from a back game are not great, but it can happen. This type of game should be reserved for desperate situations. Setting up a back game involves establishing 2 or more defensive anchors with the purpose of holding the points for as long as possible, causing your opponent to bear in awkwardly and expose a blot. When the blot is hit, the idea is to contain it behind a prime and close out your opponent. The back game can be a very effective way to win a gammon or backgammon if the dice fall in your favor and it is correctly executed.

Anchoring

Anchoring is one of the key strategic positions in backgammon. It means simply establishing a defensive point in your opponent's home board. Mastery of anchor placement is essential because it enables you to safely re-enter the board when hit and prevents your opponent from making his board in preparation for bearing off. Early in the game you should try establishing anchors on the higher points (20,21 a?" also called `advanced anchors`). If you find yourself significantly behind in the race, the lower points (22,23,24) should be targeted for anchor placement as your strategy is to build your home board and wait for a shot. When playing this type of game, two anchors on adjacent point can be very functional.

Communication

No, this doesn't refer to 'talking` but instead it means distributing your checkers so that they are kept within six pips of each other in order to ensure that a checker may be covered at a crucial stage. A wide separation in checkers leads to a weakness which your opponent may exploit.


Popular Advanced Strategies

Plan or Perish - You always need a plan! Without one, you might as well throw in the towel from the start. Even if your plan changes 3 or 4 times in a match, you should always be aware of what you need to do in order to win the game. The most rapid examination of the pieces will even tell you what’s likely to give you trouble and where your advantage(s) can be found. Backgammon is similar to chess in the way that players are often thinking about moves 5 or 6 turns away. It’s a good idea to trust your instincts and play with your gut, but discipline and awareness is also a major part of the game and must not be overlooked or put aside.

Match Equity Tables - The match equity tables can help you make the correct doubling decisions, including when to offer. Learn how to use them and you will know what to do in those difficult situations. Since most online players play relatively short matches, there are a limited number of distinct situations that will arise. A mastery of the correct doubling strategy for each score can make a big difference in your win-loss record.

Options and Alternatives - Too many good players get cocky and rush into what they think they know is the only move. You should never make a move until you have identified at least one or two viable alternatives. The worst checker play mistakes are not made by choosing the second or third best option but rather by not even seeing the best move.

Focus on Winning Matches - One of the most common questions asked is : “How do I increase my rating?” Most players want to know some special trick for identifying which opponents to play or at what match lengths, however it’s must better to just win more matches. Winning just 5% more of your 3-point matches will increase your rating about 100 points!

Remember Woolsey’s Words - “Put yourself in your opponent’s shoes. If you would even think of dropping if doubled, then it must be a good double.” Try not to worry that your opponent will take, even when you’re not confident with your decision. Remember you have the advantage, and the majority of the time you will go on to win the game. Also, remember the corollary to Woolsey’s Law: “If you never turn the cube, you never give your opponent a chance to make a mistake.” Backgammon is not won by making consistently brilliant plays, but rather, and slightly less glamorous, by the player who makes the fewest mistakes.

While some of these strategies may seem a bit basic to some of you, they remain relevant and as much as this can be said - proven. If you’re in doubt, go ahead and try to play employing CONTRASTING strategies to those presented above and you’ll quickly discover which side offers a quicker route to success.