Understanding Backgammon Priming

With each side of the backgammon players trying to block their opponent, the backgammon game often develops into a conflict called a backgammon priming game. A priming game occurs when both backgammon players block each other, and each is trying to free their back checkers.

Let's say, for example, that both players have a four prime block, meaning they both have four rows of backgammon checkers that are blocking the other opponent. Does this mean that the players have an equal backgammon position? Certainly not. There are several factors that come into play in deciding which backgammon priming situation is better.

• Position of Your Trapped Checkers - Checkers which are positioned just before the prime have a better chance of escaping the prime than checkers further back behind the prime. If the checker which is trapped is on the edge of the five prime block, this is better than being further back behind the backgammon priming row, because the checker can escape the prime if the dice score is 6. With a six prime block, if the checker has been hit and is on the bar, then that player does not even have an option of moving on the board.
• Possibilities for Advancing Your Checkers - If you have a prime, and you also have several other checkers to advance, while your opponent does not, it means you have a better backgammon priming position, because you can continue to move ahead in the game, while maintaining the prime. Your opponent, on the other hand, will have to start breaking up their priming block in order to keep playing the dice score. This will almost make certain that you win the online backgammon game.
• Size of the Prime - A five prime block is better than a four prime block. This is because, for the five prime block, the player has only one dice score to get out of the prime, while with the four prime, he has only two options to escape. A six prime block completely stops the opponent's checker from advancing, no matter what the dice score is.

A six prime block

When to Double in a Backgammon Priming Game

The previous factors will make it easier for you to know when to double in a backgammon priming game. The basic rule for doubling in priming games is to double only after you escape a checker, and also after your opponent's prime is reduced to less than five points.

Reaching a backgammon priming game is sometimes inevitable, and if you know the factors we've discussed, you'll be able to implement it in the game and create a priming advantage in your favour.

David Carnegy - Managing Editor