Playing Mid-Game Backgammon

In this section you'll learn about the correct way to play during the middle of the game.

Mid-game is the longest period of the backgammon game. This is the time period when players build primes, double the stakes, and hit their opponents.

A good way to start learning the right strategy and style of play during mid-game backgammon is to play alternate game actions in your head. If you get a roll of 6-4, for instance, think about your preferred play action, as you do every game. But before you make it, stop and consider an alternate playing action. You do not need to necessarily play the other move, but even the consideration of other options can broaden your mid-game backgammon play.

You can decide between different defensive and offensive strategies, blocking, hitting, playing it loose or tight. Eventually the other mid-game backgammon moves will affect your regular moves. When you think of different strategies, try to consider even options you would not consider regularly. Sometimes outrageous plays that seem impossible lead to great opportunities that can be used to win backgammon game.

Managing Goals by Mid-Game Backgammon

Even though it is important to make a good prime, by mid-game backgammon you should already try and advance two of your checkers on your start of your opponent's homeboard. This should be accomplished before the opponent manages to make the five point prime.

An option for escape could be to split them up, but always make sure that all through mid-game backgammon they stay relatively close to each other, and have a gap that is at the most 5 point apart.

You should try and keep the 12 point until your 2 checkers can escape and move to a safe guard place. This might also block your opponent, an allow you to make other points nearby, so make sure you aren't reduced to two checkers, too early in the game.

Evaluate where you are standing on mid-game backgammon. If you are very much behind, it might be better to attack and hit rather than race your opponent. This evaluation should be done every step of the backgammon game, to insure you are playing correctly all through mid-game backgammon.

Gregory Peters - Game Analyst