Intermediate checker play
Adapted from Backgammon 101, by Orad Reshef · https://backgammon101.com/intermediate-checker-play/
We have laid the groundwork, learning about safe play and the different game plans. Finally, we are ready to start improving our play! We will begin with checker play, and will focus on cube play in a subsequent module. Here, we present some basic rules of thumb and the reasons for them, and hopefully will build good habits to start having confidence in our play, and start raking in wins.
- Board strength
- Just make the 5-point
- Anchor up
- Point on head
- Opening rolls
- When up in the race, race
- Build your board
- Don’t bury checkers
- Don’t pass this up: part 1
- Don’t pass this up: part 2
- You’ll need builders
- Three midpoint tips
- “Pay Now” is overrated
- Playing loose 1: safety
- Playing loose 2: choose violence
- Playing loose 3: containment
- Playing loose 4: Two on the bar is better by far