One of the oldest and most popular board games is backgammon, which has been around for over 5000 years. An activity that requires logical thinking, skill, and the use of strategies, the goal of which is to move the chips on the board quickly before the opponent does.
Who wins or loses is determined by strategic decisions and luck, so in this article we will consider game strategies for beginners, as well as those players who have considerable experience, which allow to increase the chances of winning.
How to choose backgammon strategies
The board game has no perfectly clear established strategies, each of the methods should be applied at the right time, a player with experience has the ability and knowledge to use an action plan, understands the entire process that takes place on the board, and according to which he chooses one or another way to achieve the result.
Therefore, a successful and effective backgammon strategy will be adaptation, adjusting to the situation that arises.Gaining experience, learning how to play backgammon, gaining knowledge that leads to successful results and victories is possible only with constant practice.
Strategies for beginners
Beginners should remember that it is important to remain calm and logical in the game, because the player cannot control the dice rolling part of the game, and in case of unsuccessful attempts, strategic thinking and concentration are lost. At first, all the plans used will seem exhausting and complicated, but only with constant practice will you be able to master them. Players with extensive and successful backgammon experience recommend choosing one strategy at first and constantly practicing and improving it.
To achieve results and get closer to victory, beginners are advised to learn how to apply methods that will contribute to success, and the main strategies include:
1. Doubling the cube
The method is often used to win more games; if you have an advantage in the game, don't be afraid to raise the bet. If the opponent agrees, you can win by getting more points, and if he refuses, you will become the winner.
The strategy is popular, but an important condition is the ability to feel when to use it. The fewer pieces and moves are left in the bar-cell, the better it is to use doubling.
2. Conclusion
The strategy is characterized by two methods: the first is to avoid unnecessary moves with your pieces whenever possible in order to avoid being hit by the opponent, the essence of the second method is caution, namely not to perform any blocks in order to avoid being hit by the opponent's pieces, and you must keep an even number of pieces on each point. This can help in many situations that arise during the game.
Basic backgammon strategies for experienced players
1. Race
This plan of action is used when you need to move the pieces on the board faster than your opponent, get ahead in points and get closer to victory faster.
2. Holding
It is used when a player is behind the opponent by the number of points. The goal of the strategy is to maintain control of a point on the opponent's board, the best positions are either the 20th square or the bar square, as these points make it possible to hit more pieces that the opponent is trying to move to his place of retention. You can also use the points to block the other player's progress.
3. Priming
It is a method of blocking points to trap the opponent's rear pieces, the more such cells are, the more difficult it is to roll the dice to bypass the so-called roadblocks. Experienced players, thanks to a lot of practice and ingenuity, know how to build a prime (many consecutive points), most often a prime of six points, so your opponent will have no chance to get past them. Very often, this method causes a stalemate, and one of the players takes a temporary break).
4. Punch
The strategy involves hitting the opponent's chips, while controlling your board and restraining the other player's progress, which gives a successful and effective result in the game.
5. Blitz
This plan of action is most often used for backgammon. It requires courage, confidence, and initiative. The essence of the strategy is that the player hits the opponent's chips while keeping them on the bar, after such a hit, all the chips are brought to his house, gaining more points. The ideal blitz looks like this: all the points in your house are captured, and it is difficult for the opponent to re-enter the bar.
The subtleties of the game
Very often, the outcome and success of a game depends on how the first moves were made. First, you need to capture the most favorable positions for yourself, which will give you a significant advantage.
Experienced players and tournament winners recommend covering more than three positions in your head, which will allow you to control the entire process of an interesting activity. In case of a “double” combination, make sure that you have something to move in case of such a situation, because such a move in the game can lead to both victory and defeat.
And most importantly, watch your opponent's moves closely, try to understand his strategy and possible next steps, putting yourself in his shoes.
Conclusion
Backgammon is a board game that requires skill and the application of strategies according to the situation, so the player must have strategic and logical thinking. These are the techniques that make it possible to increase the chances of winning an exciting game.
Only with practice and experience come the best practices, methods, and skills, so experiment, take risks, and apply different approaches to the game to achieve successful results and impressive victories.
