Backgammon Tips & Tricks

Backgammon is game that is played worldwide by players of all skill levels – from the amateur to the highly professional. Per se, there are backgammon tips that apply to every skill level. We at expert Backgammon have compiled a list of basic tips that can benefit every player from rookie to veteran.

 

Bearing off Checkers

As a general rule, a players safest bet is to bear off all checkers from the board without thinking too much about it. The best strategy is to remove your checkers with both dice, instead of taking into consideration things such as equal distribution.

 

Keep Checkers off Low Points

If you want to steer clear of restricting your potential options in the game, a good tip is to relinquish from placing your checkers on low points early on in the game – especially points 1 and 2.

 

The Doubling Cube

Bearing in mind that you can redouble immediately after your opponent has doubled. It is to your advantage to own the cube – thus preventing your opponent from being able to redouble. You should double (if possible) if you are about to lose the match, if your opponent wins the game at the present cube value. You are risking nothing by doing so.

Consider the fact that you should accept a double when your chances of winning the game are at least 25%.

 

Downward Sloping Formation when Bearing Off

If you want to avoid wasting pips; you should aim for a downward sloping formation when removing checkers from the backgammon board. Considering of course, that you cannot hit, or be hit, you should aim for an uneven distribution when positioning your checkers to bear off from the board. Aim for a larger stack on point 6, with a downward slope to 3 or 4. This avoids the inevitability of having use your higher numbers (e.g. 5 or 6) to bear off from a 4, for example, later on in the game.

 

Abandoning Anchors

It is advised that players avoid abandoning their anchors or holding points when they are behind in a backgammon game. Players should instead be patient and wait for their shot, as this may be your only chance of winning the game from the position your in.

 

Hit

If you are not certain about which move to make, hitting is advised. This is particularly true when it relates to the opponent’s side of the board and it could be a determining factor in terms of who finishes victorious.

 

Lock up your Assets

Making a loose hit is sometimes less effective than creating a key point from which to base your assault. Which is why it is important to lock up your permanent assets.

 

Backgames

When you are playing a backgame, there are two imperative actions to remember. Firstly, you should aim to reticulate your checkers accordingly. You can also avoid crunching your board and improve your timing when getting hit. Secondly, increase your chances of hitting by creating shots (opening up points). Also consider every one of your opponent’s rolls as they to can affect your game.

 

Race Ahead

It’s a good idea to race in the game when you are ahead by a decent margin. Its advised to trust you’re racing advantage and break contact.

 

Quick Tips

1. The most general and important tip is that backgammon is a game of luck and skill. You must take risks! Don't play safe all the time, as you will end up losing if you’re not confident in your ability.
2. if you find yourself behind in a game you are actually waiting for a chance to improve your position on the board. This chance can be taken during a hit made on the board. It’s advised, you arrange all of your checkers in your home board so you’re ready for the opponent's checker on the bar.
3. The 4th and the 5th points on both sides of the board are extremely important and you need to fight to keep them in early stages of the game.
4. The bar point (7th point) is important as well. However, not as important as point 4 and 5 as you need to occupy them first to progress in the game.
5. Once in the lead on the board it is time to break contact and make a dash for your home board without giving the opponent chances to hit your checkers.
6. When bearing off it is advised you use all the numbers to bear checkers off instead of moving them on your home board when trying to close gaps that have been created.
7. If you are behind in a game 5-3 and your opponent is doubling, you have nothing to lose by redoubling again to 4. Subsequently if you win this game you will win the whole match, so the risk is definitely worth taking.
8. When you are playing against an anchor it is better to arrange all your checkers evenly across your board, particularly on the high numbers during the bearing off process. This means you will not leave a blot if you get a high number double.
9. When playing a loose player, it is better to make it on the opponent's side of the board than to have a blot on your home board that the opposing player can take advantage of. In the worst case you will be hit on the opponent's board and not in your home board so it’s not as bad a loss.
10. In a match play when you are 2 points away, it is advised you go for a gammon win and not using the doubling cube as the odds are stacked heavily in your favour.
11. The best time to offer a double is when you think your opponent will refuse one which will catch your opponent off guard.
12. Always try to have a strategy when playing and keep it in mind at all times, it’s better to play with a strategy in your mind than just throwing the dice.
13. Anchoring is a very good way to slow down and block your opponent's moves. When you are behind in the game, anchoring can also be the only way to get you out of the situation so it’s in your best interest to do so.
14. Always consider another two possible strategies before playing. Don't be irresponsible. If you think about it you might find better options are available to you.
15. When you are forced to leave a blot consider two things – the pip count of your opponent's checkers (if there are more than 6 it benefits you) and the pip count of your other checkers that you can use to close your open checker.