Strategic Elements
Backgammon is truly a masterful strategy game. This game requires
a thorough understanding of the various rules. Whether playing backgammon
online, or playing face to face with another person, knowing the
rules is critical. It is how a player utilizes the rules to his
advantage during the game is the deciding factor if you win or lose.
There have been many books written about backgammon rules and strategy.
We would recommend you read a few books regarding this topic. At
Backgammon Rules Online we will briefly discuss some basic strategies.
Anchors – Anchors are points which are occupied
by 2 or more of your men, in your opponent’s home board.
Anchors are very useful if you are losing significantly, and greatly
increase your chance to catch up, if played properly. The idea is
to purposely leave the anchors in the hope that the opponent will
be forced to make a move which may expose a blot (point occupied by
a single man). Leaving the anchors in your opponent’s home board
will give you a chance to focus on building your own home board with
a ‘blockade’. Although this strategy is a bit risky and
if it isn’t executed with a bit of luck and good timing could
lead to a worse loss, such as a gammon or backgammon. This strategy
is usually used towards the end of the game.
Blockade – A blockade is a 6 consecutive
point checker wall of 2 or more men, also called a ‘prime’,
which is preventing an opponents men from getting through. This
kind of backgammon strategy is most appropriate to be implemented
in the beginning of the game.
Doubling Cube – A doubling cube can also
be used as a strategic element. If an opponent refuses to accept
the double he will be forced to resign the game. Therefore the cube
can be used to speed up games. If you notice that you are significantly
leading, it may be a good idea to use the cube. If the player declines
you will win the game, and if he does accept the double, the odds
should be in your favor to win. Although there may be a chance for
your opponent to win, you can use the doubling cube, to effectively
increase your own odds of winning. Playing backgammon online means
that you can play with many opponents in a short period of time,
as a result in order to be successful you want to play the odds.
Therefore learning how to use the doubling cube properly is crucial
to your chances of winning.
Backgammon Variants
There are many types of backgammon variants. Some apply the same standard
backgammon rules which we have discussed and some have completely
different backgammon rule sets. There are more many more variant types
out there such as ‘Old English Rules’, Gul Bara, Runte
Rule and many more! We will briefly examine a couple of simple variants
where the identical standard backgammon rules apply. These are
Chouettes and LongGammon.
Chouettes – This is a group game variant
of standard backgammon rules. It is played by teams with assigned
roles. The backgammon rules which apply are slightly different.
Stakes are agreed upon
prior to beginning play, and is played like a money game, there
is no score and once a game is done a new one starts. One player
plays as the ‘box’, this player plays alone against
a team. The team is led by a ‘captain’ who makes the
final decision regarding the move; he may consult his team mates
for advice. The only thing the rest of the team is allowed to play
is the doubling cube. This is where the game gets to be a lot of
fun. A player can double regardless of the actions of his team mates
and can accept or decline a double if chosen. If the player who
is the ‘box’ wins he/she may remain the ‘box’,
if a ‘captain’ wins he becomes the new ‘box’.
When a box loses he becomes a regular team player.
LongGammon – This is a variant where the
standard backgammon rules apply. The single difference is that all
the players’ checkers start on the opponents 1 point. This
game can be a lot of fun, and takes more time to finish.
Rules for beginners |
Advanced Backgammon rules |
Money rules |
Strategy & Variations |
Glossary
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