Some Common Mistakes in Backgammon

Backgammon players who are new to the game usually commit to many mistakes. They believed that backgammon is simply a game of luck. Indeed, it's a game of chance but minimizing if not eliminating player's mistakes will improve one's skill and be a better player in the end.

The usual error novice backgammon players commit is advancing their checkers way too far at the earliest possible time. As an illustration, getting over to point 2 with an opening 6-4 roll is normally a big mistake because you are limiting your opportunity to have a better position. You are just filing troubles in the latter part of the game though initially you gain the inner board. You are allowing your opponent an easy way to re-enter if ever you throw low number combination.

Another mistake commonly committed by a player is playing it too 'safe'; a player has to battle for every vital position and undertake calculated gambles. You must carry on making small risks early in the game for a possible bigger reward in the game's latter stage. In backgammon, it is near to impossible to engage a game free of exposed checkers somewhere and hoping that luck will be on your side in the end game.

A vital point to hold is the bar point (stopping an opponent to escape with a 6). But the most important points a player may occupy are the point 5, your inner board and that of your opponent. You can totally control the game and limit your opponent movement once you got hold of the 5 point. You have a safe place planted to come into the game again. So try to get hold of these points and never allowing your opponent to grab them from you.

The third common mistake a novice player commits is 'running' too soon from secured anchor when an opponent posted 3 or more checkers on the inner board. Doing this will end up in losing both anchors and letting your opponent off from a poor position. It is best to maintain the anchor as much as possible in situation like this and take your chances somewhere else.

A fourth mistake that needs mentioning is the inability of players to hit a particular checker twice if they have the change. There is no assurance that your opponent will strike you back and if they roll a 'bogey number' you will usually ends up with a big edge to create a strong position. You will also keep on-hold your opponent majority of the game.