Backgammon has always been a very popular game. It is an interesting game that requires a lot of skills. Just knowing the rules by heart is not enough to win. Adopting a smart strategy and lots of practice will help you a lot. Although the rules are simple luck makes the game really exciting.
Besides a tone of luck and much skills, a few winning tips won’t hurt anyone. So, here are some useful backgammon tips that will surely increase your chances to win at this game.
The first tip, and very important to know, is that backgammon is a game based on skills, strategy and luck. You must know that you have to risk in order to win. Playing safe all the time is not the best solution.
Another thing to know, especially when you are behind in the game and you are waiting for a good throw to improve your position on the backgammon board, the best strategy is hitting your opponent. If you find yourself in this situation try to arrange your checkers in your home part of the backgammon board so that you will be ready for the checkers of your opponent from the bar.
Knowing the most important points on the bar is really important in backgammon. These points are the 4th and the 5th on every side of the board. Fight for these points and try to hold them early in the game.
In case you are ahead in the game, the best thing to do is race and race fast. Start running for your home board but be careful not to give your opponent the chance to hit your checkers. Do not be hasty, think it over and take your decision. It is true that this game is some kind of race but is not a race against the clock. Nobody will actually shut you if you take some time to think on what to do.
When you start to bear off your checkers a great strategy would be to use all numbers instead of moving your checkers on your home board to try to close the gaps.
If your opponent doubles the stakes, do not get frightened, control yourself. You can redouble the stakes also when your turn comes up. The fact that he doubled does not mean he will win the game for sure. Let’s not forget that luck plays an important part in backgammon too. In case you are back in the match, redoubling gives you the chance to win the match.
Your opponent might have a good game strategy as well. So, if he uses anchors you should always arrange your checkers as more even as possible on the backgammon board, especially when you are on the verge of bearing off your pieces. Try to be prepared for everything. You must know what to do at all times.
In case of match play, you find yourself two points behind your opponent, try to win the game with a gammon and do not use the doubling cube. It is the best strategy. The best time to double is when you are sure your opponent will refuse this option.
Another interesting thing to remember is that it is absolutely in your advantage to use a good strategy and sticking to that, but it is better to throw the dice and then decide your next move.
A good way to slow the other players down is with anchors. He will not be able to move freely on the board as he probably wants. Anchors are also a good solution if you are behind in the game. They can help you get out this awful situation.
Before you start playing, always have two or three good backgammon strategies up your sleeves. Try not to be reckless, concentrate on the game not on what happens around you.
As you can see, backgammon is simple at first sight but a backgammon player requires many skills to be a winner. Enjoy this great game, remember these tips and become a winner.
About the author:
Mark Kesting has worked for several casino sites since early 2005 as a content writer and has also published a few articles mostly about casino game strategies.
[Article submitted June 2005]
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