Backgammon Defensive Positions

One of the basic principles of backgammon strategy is understanding how to play defensive positions. Many successful players win consistently based on their knowledge of the back game and how to use it to bring their checkers safely home. Playing a strategic defensive game often involves building defensive structures in the backgammon board. These are referred to as anchors.

If you build a single anchor on an advanced point, either the 3, 4 or 5 point on the backgammon board, you are in effect creating a "holding game." This defensive strategy aims at slowing down your backgammon opponent and making it more difficult for him to move his checkers around the backgammon board. To play a successful back game, players need to create a strategy that involves two or more anchors. The best anchors are known as deep anchors and will make it difficult for your opponent to bear off to win the backgammon game.

Knowing when to play backgammon defensive positions is really a matter of personal choice. Many players find a back game plays a strong role in their winning streak. For others, setting up checkers as anchors can distract them from the real aim of getting round the backgammon board. However, one scenario where a sound back game is always useful is when you're playing an opponent that is renowned for his running game. There's no better way to slow him down than to erect anchors in the board.