Blocking Backgammon and Its Blocking Ways

Blocking backgammon is a game variant where checkers start off the board and hitting checkers isn't allowed. With the latter restriction, players make use of blocking to gain advantage -- hence its name. Since players can block by making points on the board, extraordinary and easy rules govern owning points in this backgammon variant making it an easy game to play.

There are only two ways to own a point in this backgammon variant. One way is to put one checker on a point. As a result, a prime can be made by having a same-colored checker each on six succeeding points.

The other way is to land on two opposing pieces on the board. With that said, two same-colored checkers on a point still make that an open point. So, if you have two pieces on a point and your opponent lands on it, this makes it their point already.

Since the last piece to land on a point is the only one allowed to be taken off it (last-in, first-out or LIFO rule), a holding scheme can also be used as blocking technique. This makes the second way of making a point a very good block because two pieces under the enemy piece are obviously stuck there until the opposing checker leaves.

Owning points in blocking backgammon is limited to the abovementioned circumstances. That makes two colored pieces over two white pieces an open point (and vice versa). It's the same with a one white piece over two colored with two white checkers on a point.

In spite of these boundless open-point scenarios - since moving checkers follows the LIFO rule - having pieces under an over-stacked or tall point is highly detrimental to the race. So if picture the example above, as long as there are opposing checkers under you, keeping them there for as long as you can is very useful in gaining advantage.

Blocking backgammon and its blocking ways set it apart from a regular game, especially that part about "no hitting". Making points in this backgammon variant are limited to landing a checker on a free point and landing one checker on two opposing pieces that are on a point. Also, a blocking tactic can be accomplished through a holding technique that takes advantage of the LIFO or last-in, first out rule. This is accomplished by landing on a tall or over-stacked open point with opposing pieces under you.

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