Some ideas on how to play and how to win based on simple strategies, for the average backgammon player.

It's a good policy to try to Play Safe: Don't let your opponent hit your pieces without good reason you might lose time in the running game.

Hit: Hitting enemy pieces gains time: but watch out for possible counter-hits, as not every hit is always the right one.

Free your back pieces: Get your back pieces out quickly the more you delay the more chances there are of not being able to get them out at all.

Direct shots: Are more dangerous than indirect ones

Block the opposition's back pieces: Shut off the points your opponent needs in order to break your blockade. Pay attention to points 5 (20), 4 (21), and the bar point.

Take your chances: A calculated risk is worth it to attain a better advantage.

Bear off quickly: Bear off as many checkers as possible with each throw and every throw or use other throws to take up empty points.

Call up your helpers: To Your Outer Table fast

Be aware: The pieces you dare not move are not active helpers, so look at what you actually have to use.

It's a distinct advantage: To build a consecutive group of points: Favoured positions are between points 8 (17) and 4 (21). This makes it difficult for your opponent’s back checkers to get out.

The six-prime is the strongest formation: An enemy checker cannot jump over it.

The player who keeps his prime intact longer than the opposition's: Will usually win the game, in a battle between primes timing becomes important.

With a six-prime, stay on the bar: And miss a roll or two, as this helps your timing.

Some fairly straightforward plays to get you better on board tactics and on game strategy put these into practice next time you're playing and see if they make a difference to your game.