Backgammon Game Types

To someone who does not play Backgammon, looking at the board will seem nothing more than a confusing mass of checkers scattered about. Yet the fact is that behind all that are distinct game types that require different approaches and strategies.

An understanding of these different types will be absolutely critical so that you will know which Backgammon strategy to utilize. For example, the running game. This usually happens when both players get big dice rolls in the onset, like 65. When this happens, the objective of the competitors is to move the back checkers forward.

When that happens, it becomes a race to the home board, and very little in the way of hitting will come to pass. When this type of Backgammon game emerges, you will want to focus on just running your checkers forward. Here the luck of the dice roll will play a big part, as the ones with the bigger rolls will usually win.

Next are the more complex Backgammon anchor games. This usually happens when one of your checkers is at the midpoint, and the other player has a piece on your bar. If both have anchors, the match is termed a Mutual Holding game. This game takes place when one rolls a 43 and the other side a 66.

A Backgammon variation is the low anchor, whereby you have a checker (or checkers) on the 1 or 3 point and the opponent has some checkers in the back. When playing anchor games, the objective is to hold on to the anchor and secure your home board.

The blitz is a type of game wherein your Backgammon strategy is to try and place anchors in the other player's board and your opponent is trying to prevent it. This type of game can involve a lot of action, and a lot of hitting. If you are going to employ this strategy, make certain that you have the pieces for it.

When the blitz works, it usually means the end for the opponent, but failure will likely have you in a back game. Although the blitz is relatively less complicated than other game types, opting for this strategy at the onset should be done with the knowledge that there are certain risks involved.

These are just some of the situations and Backgammon game types you will find yourself in. Make it a point to study and learn as many types as possible, and you will have the competitive edge.