Tips for Winning Backgammon

Assuming that you are a beginner there are some tips for winning backgammon that
should help you in your game. For example when your opponent doubles you to two you
can redouble to four any time that it's your turn to roll. If you are trailing in a match and
you opponent doubles and you take the double. Always turn the cube on the next roll at
this point in the game, when you don't have much to lose. If you lose the game, you lose
the match, so why not win the match if you can't win the game.

Always have a plan ready. Of course your plan may change from one roll to the next, but
you should always focus on how to win the game or if a loss is likely then how to save
gammon. You have to identify the main things you need to do in order to win the game.
If you're lagging behind then hit aggressively and don't let yourself drift into untenable
positions. Learn how to use match equity tables and make your match doubling and
taking decisions based on them. You also need to learn when you have to leave a shot
place your checkers where they will do the most good on the next roll if they're not hit.
Never make a move unless you have identified at least two alternatives.

Another smart tip refers to when you're bearing off. If you can take your checkers off
with both dice, just take them off. You will find it is better than trying to smooth out your
checkers. Try to avoid putting checkers on low points at the beginning of the game
because if you do it will restrict your options later in the game. When you're bearing off,
try stacking your checkers rather than using an even distribution. Start with a big stack on
the 6-point and then start sloping down. This sloping is the best way to avoid wasting
pips.