Basic Tips for Backgammon

Doubling Cube – this is the key to backgammon. Never accept a double if you are too far behind. A match to three and you are trailing 1-0 and your opponent has doubled and you accepted, then you should redouble your next turn. You will lose the match either way but if you win this game, you will win the match. A rule of thumb is the break even point for accepting a double is 25%. If you think you have at least 25% chance at winning, then you should accept.

Always double when you have nothing to lose. The match is 2-0; then you should double immediately. The match will either be lost or 2-2 if you win.

Stay off Low Points – to avoid reducing your options, try not place checkers in the 1 and 2 points early in the game.

Hit – if you are unsure as what move to make and can hit your opponent, it usually a wise move. What you should do while waiting is build the points in your home board in order.

Abandoning Anchors – if you are behind in the game then you should not abandon your anchors. These holding points might be the key to stopping your opponent and winning the game.

Bearing Off – if you can, take checkers off with both your dice, rather than trying for even distribution.

Best Bear Off Formation – if there is no chance your opponent can hit, then the best formation is a sloped formation with more checkers on the 6 point. This avoids wasting pips later on when using a 6 to bear off from the 4 point.

Racing – if you are ahead in the race, then race. Break contact when ahead and rely on your racing advantage.

These tips should improve your Backgammon skills and hopefully help you win more matches.