Backgammon Tips. Part 3

1. It is better to grab an anchor rather than an offensive point unless you are hitting. Don't needlessly strip your position when you have other options.

2. By making a defensive anchor you keep yourself in the game make coming home without being hit very tough for your opponent. Take your time: the shots will come and by that time you will have better structure to do something constructive after hitting a shot.

3. Everyone makes mistakes. However, when you keep making the same ones you have to look at your position differently.

4. Always try to leave an even number of checkers on the last two points when bearing off in contact positions in order to avoid doubles that give your opponent a chance.

5. Go for the backgammon and the win when you have the chance. It is incredibly satisfying when you can pull off a 6pt game.

6. Don't leave a holding point or anchor when you know you will be hit.

7. Hold tight onto an anchor when you're behind until you absolutely, positively MUST leave it. You must have faith in primes and allow the game to take its natural course.

8. When ahead in the race: race!

9. Play a little safer when your opponent has a stronger offensive position, and don't hit deep when your opponent needs to escape.

10. Leaving your anchor = suicide.

11. Your best bet at winning is to make the anchor while you have the chance.

12. Getting an extra checker off only helps if it saves you a roll (in other words, it leaves an even number of checkers left to bear off).

13. When uncertain of which point to abandon, take into account what each point contributes to your overall structure and abandon the one that is the least useful.