How to Defend Against the Backgammon Blitz
A backgammon blitz is a pretty tough strategy when it catches a player. It isn't really that much fun or exciting when a player is at the receiving end of all that hitting. One can only just pray and hope for the best when they are defending against a blitz. We'll discuss how players can counter and expose the weaknesses of the backgammon blitz.
Everyone knows that the player employing the backgammon blitz strategy will make a lot of hits during the game. It is not uncommon for a player to find one or more of his checkers at the bar and furiously trying to get them out of there time and again.
The question is what can we do if we are to defend effectively against the backgammon blitz? The first thing we need to check when defending against the blitz is the presence of home board points made by the attacker.
An attacker hitting like crazy and not building his home board is in a fix. Instead of moving forward in a blitz play, the attacker would be wasting time and position. He may even expose his pieces to attack in the process.
When you notice the lack or inadequacy of the attacker's home board checkers, don't push the panic button just yet. In fact you may even play a blitz yourself when a few of the opponent's checkers lay out there for the taking.
Another thing to check is the presence of builders on the 7 point up to the 11 point. Escaping the home board is one thing, but with these guys around, getting on the safe side will be tough. But the absence of these builders is a sign of good fortune. Either the dice are on your side or the attacker is just messing up his offense.
After taking note of both the home board and the threat of another hit as you make your home run, check how many men are caught at the bar. One or two men at the bar would make it fairly easy to escape. If a player has quite more than that on the bar, that defender may have to rethink his position.
So much for all the things we need to look out for. We'll move on to what a defender can actually do to defend against a blitz. What is an effective tool to use against a blitz?
A defender can always place a defensive anchor when he's been hit pretty bad. Focus on building your own home board and building up your anchor. Anchors placed deep inside the attacker's home board can be pretty effective. It makes it hard for his checkers to enter the home board and puts your pieces at striking distance. The anchor placed adjacent to the bar is a good spot to stage a counter-attack and a block.
Never forget to build the defender's home board. It will serve as a trap when you make a good hit (or even lots of hits if you're lucky). A well-built home board will have 3 or more points covered. More would be awesome, though remember that the rest of your pieces may well be used for other purposes.
Building an anchor is a great tool to defend against a blitz. Don't worry if you're on the receiving end of the blitz. Chances are you might have a good chance to defend against a blitz.