Strategies for backgammon are as many and varied as the rolls of the dice.  Will you play defence?  Do you prefer attack?  Are you the kind of player who just sits back and lets the game take you where it will, according to the laws of luck and chance?  One thing is for sure – you will increase your odds of winning if you decide upon a strategy and stick with it.

Often chance will tip the balance, and you will find yourself playing a race to the finish line.  For example, the classic running game where you have rescued your two pieces on the 24 point and it’s just heads down, and roll those big numbers!  Alternatively, the throw of the dice may place you in a position where all you can do is play defence.  Build a strong blocking position around your home base in an effort to prevent them back into the game once you start hitting their blots.  Remember, a 6-point block strategy, or “prime” will prevent any chance of your opponent bringing his bar pieces back into play.

One useful technique is the successful placement of anchors in your opponent’s home base.  Not only do these frustrate any chance your opponent has of increasing his home base coverage, but anchors will also provide you with a springboard back into the game if you are hit to the bar.  If you have more than one anchor, build them next to one another to further consolidate your advantage.

Be aware how far apart your pieces are.  If possible, try to group them within a 6 pip range, allowing for grouping within the maximum roll of one dice.  Spacing out your pieces too thinly is a sure fire recipe for a blot attack.  Watch your distribution.

One backgammon strategy is to sometimes permit your opponent to hit your blot in order to gain access to his home base, from where you can build another anchor.  This brings us to the question of whether you should hit blots at all.  One rule of thumb is that you only hit a blot if it makes sense to you strategic position.  Don’t do so just for the sake of pushing your opponent to the bar.  Be aware that hitting a blot can backfire, especially when it is left naked, inviting your partner to hit it in return, should they be lucky enough to enter the game with the next roll.

Remember to prioritize.  There will be many occasions when you can choose between two or several strategies depending on the roll of one dice.  Make sure you select the one that provides you with the greatest long-term advantage.

Finally, don’t forget the pip count.  This tried and tested method can mean the difference between a losing game, or a high score.  Has your opponent doubled with an inferior pip count?  If so, rise to the challenge!  He obviously doesn’t know what he’s doing…  Don’t forget – strategy, strategy, strategy!