Backgammon Hitting Strategy
Backgammon hitting strategy summary points:
- Pounce on your opponent's checkers only when it is to your advantage.
- It is best to hit your opponent's most advanced checkers.
- If you hit, be prepared to cover since your opponent may attempt a counter hit.
- If your opponent already has checkers on the bar, it may be wise NOT to hit.
- Do NOT hit if it puts you in a weaker position than your opponent.
- "When in doubt, hit."
Pouncing on your opponent's checkers is recommended only when it is to your advantage.
Generally, it is more valuable to hit your opponent's most advanced checkers.
For instance, when an opponent's checker is taking up the point you want to make, it is usually correct to hit that checker.
Also try to cover if you decide to hit due to the likelihood of an attempt at a counter hit by your opponent.
In contrast, it may be wise NOT to hit if your opponent already has checkers on the bar and you have the opportunity to establish an additional point by not hitting.
Most importantly, do NOT hit if it puts you in a weaker position than your opponent.
Yet, the old Backgammon strategy saying still applies, "When in doubt, hit."
Written by: Gary Tenaglia.
