The Gammon Press

When You’re Desperate…

Jan 15, 2022 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game, Uncategorized

Cash game. White owns the cube. White on roll.

White to play 5-3.

A lot of backgammon positions are pretty simple: the right play is either forced or completely obvious. Many others involve a clear decision between two very different alternatives. These problems may be hard to solve, but at least the choices are clear.

Some positions, however, involve a lot of possible plays, all of which are somewhat reasonable. These positions can be very tricky, and one of the dangers is overlooking the best play altogether while sorting through the wealth of possibilities. Be alert, and try to enumerate all the plays before starting to rank them.

Taking Your Last Chance

Jan 1, 2022 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game

Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on roll.

White to play 5-1.

One of the most dangerous positions in backgammon is that of the out-timed and rapidly deteriorating position. This problem is a good example. These overstretched positions usually arise when one side (here White) has built a great front position quickly, but at the cost of leaving one or more stragglers disconnected from the main force.

Late Game Blitzes

Dec 15, 2021 | Backgammon Problems: Blitzes

Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll.

(a) Should White double?

(b) If doubled, should Black take, drop, or beaver?

Among the many relatively unexplored position types in backgammon is one I call the “Late Game Blitz”. The general idea is pretty simple. One side has a blitz in progress. The other side, unlike the case in the basic opening blitz, has some sort of structure in place, which might range from a few scattered points to an imposing five-prime. The blitzer has some number of checkers to extricate from behind this structure before he can claim the game.

These Late Game Blitz positions are relatively common and often incredibly difficult. Many points are swung with errors in this type of game, and the errors are often very large. If you’re looking to work hard to improve your play and results, these are good positions to focus on. The ability to handle these positions well will make a big difference in your play.

Split or slot in the Opening

Dec 1, 2021 | Backgammon Problems: Early Game

Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll.

White to play 2-1.

Slotting to make a key point and splitting your back checkers are two tactical ideas that dominate early-game play when more obvious choices like hitting blots and making points aren’t available. The 1970s and 1980s were the heyday of slotting. The preferred method of winning a game was to build an imposing prime (often by slotting points, then covering) and follow it with a crushing double. The older method, taking the points you were given and looking for a chance to escape your back checkers, was seen as antiquated and wimpy, a game plan only suited for geezers playing in the park.