In backgammon, a ‘blitz’ occurs when one side is on the bar without an anchor, and the opponent aims to close them out before they can enter and organize their defense. If the attack is successful, it often results in a gammon. If the defender manages to enter, they may save the gammon and potentially seize the advantage, especially if the attacker has overextended. Mastering blitzes is crucial for any serious player.
Blitz positions can be categorized into three main types:
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Early Game Blitz: In this scenario, one side (e.g., White) splits their back men, and if Black throws a double, White is sent to the bar. These positions often involve doubles and takes, though exceptions exist based on available builders and the number of vulnerable checkers. Mastery of early blitzes comes from understanding key reference positions, notably those in Chapter 1 of Kit Woolsey’s Backgammon Encyclopedia Volume 1.
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Middle Game Blitz: Here, one side gets caught on the bar while the opponent tries to close their board. Unlike early blitzes, the defender typically has some form of position, such as three or four home board points or a prime. Evaluating these positions involves considering both the attacker’s and defender’s assets, which can be substantial.
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Late Game Blitz: The defender has five or six home board points, making these positions complex and requiring careful analysis.
Middle game blitzes occur frequently and are challenging to categorize or analyze. Cube action can shift dramatically with each roll, unlike more straightforward holding, back, or priming games.
Position Analysis
Position 2. Black is on roll. Cube action?
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In Position #1, late in the game, White is on the bar, and Black is executing a blitz with a three-point board and a fourth point slotted. Black’s 36 numbers provide coverage for his blot, and he has attackers on the 7-point and 8-point. Despite White having a three-point board and needing to escape two checkers, Black’s position is still strong. An analysis by Extreme Gammon shows:
- Equity without doubling: +0.66
- Equity after doubling: +0.99
This suggests Black’s large number of builders and potential to make a fourth point are decisive. However, let’s explore changes in White’s position.
Position 2. Black is on roll. Cube action?
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Here, White’s checkers have been moved from the 8-point to the 6-point, creating a more balanced position:
- Equity without doubling: +0.47
- Equity after doubling: +0.60
Doubling remains advantageous, but the equity loss due to White’s previous stack on the 8-point is evident.
Position 3. Black is on roll. Cube action?
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In this position, White’s 3-point is moved to the 5-point, improving his board while retaining the stack on the 8-point:
- Equity without doubling: +0.42
- Equity after doubling: +0.40
This shows a significant improvement in White’s position, making doubling a slight mistake.
Conclusion
The analysis underscores the importance of every positional detail in a blitz scenario. A stack here, a blot there, or the configuration of points all affect decision-making. While some rules can be applied to specific types of positions, most late game blitzes require experience and a nuanced understanding of various positions to develop effective instincts.
