Using primes as an effective strategy for victory
- Details
- Category: How to Play
- Published on Tuesday, 16 August 2011 12:15
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 139
The game of backgammon requires that each player employs a strategy that can ultimately ensure a win over their opponent. Oftentimes, that strategy is based on a good defense. This is where employing a prime can be of great use.
A prime, or a blockade, occurs when a player has set up his checkers on a point to prevent his opponent from landing on that point. Depending on the roll of the dice, your opponent can leapfrog the prime. If a player has set up a prime on four consecutive points, his opponent would need to roll either a five or six in order to jump over the point. Any other roll of the dice and he will forfeit his turn, giving you the advantage.
In certain instances, both players will be looking to set up primes in order to block each other in. This is called a prime vs. prime battle. If a player has set up a prime of four or more consecutive points, they have a clear advantage in collecting a win. It's also a good time to propose a double, since you have your opponent on the ropes with a strong prime.
Anytime that a prime can be achieved using six consecutive points, you have effectively shut out your opponent, since they cannot roll anything higher than a six in order to leapfrog the prime.
