Basic backgammon strategies and tactics

Backgammon is an exciting game that anyone can enjoy. Even though it only takes a few minutes to learn the rules of play, it can take quite a lot longer to master the game. Learning backgammon tactics is a must for any player who wants to excel. Below are some helpful basic backgammon strategies to increase your playing skills and knowledge of the game. We will discuss the most common backgammon tactics that are also the easiest to learn - opening moves and playing your opponent.

Backgammon Opening Moves

The first move will set the tone of the entire game. You can show your prowess by memorizing expert recommended moves. Of course it is better to understand why these moves are universally agreed upon to be the best backgammon opening Moves.

• 2 - 1 Split the back checkers (24-23) and then bring a single checker down (13-11).
• 3 - 1 You will make your 5-point.
• 3 - 2 There are many alternatives for this play. Typically experts agree the best play is bringing your back checker up 3 and then bringing a 2 from the midpoint down.
• 4 - 1 Generally, it's correct to split the back checker and then bring a checker down. It is not a bad risk to play, bringing one down and be able to slot your 5-point.
• 4 - 2 The best thing can do to make your 4-point.
• 4 - 3 The most possible variations in this move, depending on score, but generally, it is recommended that the best solution is to move up 3 from your back point and next bring down the 4.
• 5 - 1 Typically, the correct move is to divide the back checker and then bring a checker down. If you are behind in the match and a gammon win is needed, you might want to bring one down and then next slot your 5-point on the next move.
• 5 - 2 Two plays to do. First take a back checker 2,and then secondly bring one down. You could however just bring two checkers down.
• 5 - 3 You will obviously make your 3-point.
• 5 - 4 Two different options. You can move a back checker up (24-20) and bring one down (13-8), or the second option is to take two down from the midpoint (13-8, 13-9)
• 6 - 1 You can make your bar.
• 6 - 2 Two different plays. You can either run all the way, or else you can run to the bar and then bring one checker down
• 6 - 3 Two separate plays: either you can run a checker all the way off to your 24 point, or you can run to your opponent's bar and then take one down from your own midpoint.
• 6 - 4 There are 3 different plays. You can run a back checker all the way out to the 14 point, or you can make your two point. The third is that you can run a back checker to your adversary's bar, and then you can bring down one checker off your midpoint (13-9).
• 6 - 5 One single option. You run a back checker.

Backgammon strategies - Knowing Your Opponent

Now that we have discussed different beginning backgammon tactics to start you out with, lets now look at some other backgammon strategies to enhance your gaming skills. In any game, you must always asses the level of your opponent's skill and understanding of the game. If you are a beginner, it is easier to play other people than to play a computer. The computer program will always make the most logical moves, other human beings are open to making mistakes and opening up holes in their own game plan. Once again, if you are a beginner, it might be prudent to play for fun and not for money play that would attract more skilled players.

These backgammon tactics will help you become a better player. Though they will not assure your victory, following the advice given you will increase your chance of winning and understanding the beloved game of backgammon. They will also help you start learning more complicated backgammon strategies.

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