The Backgame

Most players have a lot to say about how to get the upper hand in a game. If most of us had a nickel for every bad system that is running around the casinos of Vegas, than we would be able to retire without ever playing a game in that city. But what do you do if you are losing? How do you get yourself out of a tough situation? When the topic is Backgammon, the best way to help yourself when you are in a position of weakness is play the "Backgame" strategy.

This strategy comes into play when a player has 2 or more anchors established on their opponent's home board. An anchor is a term in the game that refers to point that is occupied by 2 or more of your checkers.

The most strategically beneficial places to put your anchors are towards the other player's lower point. They may also be placed on either adjacent points or with a single point in between. How you use your anchors it is equally important to when you use your anchors. The best time to do this is when some of your checkers are sitting on the bar. This way you can hold your position and wait for your opponent to open up an opportunity for you to hit.