Some Common Mistakes Backgammon Players Commit
Whether you're a new or a contemporary backgammon player it is still common for us to make mistakes. Knowing what those mistakes are helps us avoid them, and exploit them if our opponent makes them. Like what the 80's hip G.I. Joe cartoon series cliche goes - "knowing is half the battle."
A basic mistake most new players make is that they try to avoid blots too much. Sure, it's alright to play it safe, but that leaves us with a weakness. Some opportunities to gain position may be lost if we don't gamble. One fact everyone should consider is that in every backgammon game, it is a mistake to think that you can always avoid blots. Truth is, you always make them whether you like it or not.
Backgammon players should never be afraid to take gaming risks. Make blots every once in a while, and whenever it is necessary. Remember, there'll come a point where you need to force your opponent make a hit. That time can be when you are far behind and need to block the enemy's pieces on their way home.
So it's never a mistake to open up and make blots, specially when they open up a host of opportunities. Another saying one may want to put in mind is that "fortune favors the bold"
The opposite of the mistake we were just talking about is just as fatal. Moving you're pieces too fast, too deep, and too soon also paves ways to disaster. A player needs to pace himself, and spread his pieces out evenly at times. This precaution is due to the fact that at any given moment a player can make an awkward roll and ruin his game plan.
One common mistake in backgammon is to take the 2 point too early in the game. Enemy checkers most of the time can easily jump past this point when entering from the bar. Taking this point too early in the game will leave you with less options for future moves.
Another mistake related to the previous one just discussed is breaking an anchor too early in the hopes of catching up when a player is quite a bit behind in a backgammon game. An anchor deep in the opponent's home board is not a huge mistake at all. In fact it opens an opportunity to make a hit late in the game. That hit can very well turn things around to your favor.
New players also at times are afraid to hit thinking their pieces will get hit back. It is never a mistake to make a hit. That is especially true if you rolled a double on the dice (you can cover a point after making a hit), or when it is highly improbable that your opponents can make a counter hit (that pretty much depends on the position of the checkers and the probability that the opponent can counter your hit).
A mistake that new players also make is to ignore the possibility to take control of the bar points. These are strategic positions either for defense or as a trap. They provide a good opportunity for players to hit when they're behind, and to prevent pieces to make a big run for it when entering.
Knowing the common mistakes in backgammon help us avoid them and improve our game play. Bottom line is to never be afraid to make mistakes. We make them every single time. The only thing wrong about making these mistakes is not learning from them.