Backgammon is a game that can easily change because of the variety of moves possible at one point. If you are a rookie then some of the tips are ment to teach you how to play and other to provide you some prospect of the game`s strategy and help you win.

1. This is the most general and important tip: Backgammon is a game of luck and skill. You have to take risks! Don`t play safe all the time.
2. you are behind in the game you are actually waiting for one chance to improve your position on the board. This chance can be in a hit you can make on the board. It would be better then, to arrange all of your checkers in your home board to be ready for the opponent`s checker on the bar.
3. The 4th and the 5th point on the both sides of the board are extremely important and you need to fight in holding them in early stages of the game.
4. The bar point ( the 7th point) is extremely important as well. However point 4 and 5 are even more important and you need to prefer them first.
5. When you are leading on the board it is time to break contact and run for you home board without letting the opponent chances to hit your checkers.
6. When you are bearing off it is advised to use all the numbers to bear checkers off instead of moving them on your home board in trying to close the gaps.
7. If you are back in a match game 5/3 and your opponent is doubling, you have nothing to lose by redoubling again to 4. If you win this game you will win the whole match.
8. When you are playing against anchor it is better to arrange all your checkers evenly on your board, especially on the high numbers during the bearing off process. In that way you will not leave a blot if you get a high number double.
9. When you have to play a loose man, it is better to make it on the opponent`s side of the board than to have a blot on your home board that can be hit. In the worst case you will be hit on the opponent`s board and not in your home board.
10. In a match play when you are 2 points away, it is better to go for a gammon win and not using the doubling cube.

5 most common errors

The top 5 most common errors or where there is a common lack of knowledge are...

1. Running from the rear when behind in a race & not running when in the lead.
2. Candlestick making (stacking checkers on few points and inflexible play)
3. The making and relinquishing of key points (priming and anchoring)
4. Having a game plan. (when, how and why one should change a strategy)
5. Understanding safe vs. bold play.

Backgammon

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