Backgammon Tactics: Slotting and Priming

Slotting in backgammon refers to the act of placing one checker on a point hoping to cover it with another checker in your next turn. This tactic takes the idea of making points on your board a step further. This backgammon tactic involves leaving a blot on the board, which does involve a certain degree of risk.

We understand that beginners will generally shy away from leaving blots on the board. This is an understandable point of view, but it is known to change as new players gain experience. It is quite acceptable, and understandable at times, to see beginners play safe during their first few games. It is observed that beginners will usually avoid taking risks in the game like leaving blots or even hitting, that is, even if it is perfectly safe to hit since there is no threat of the opponent hitting back.

Once a beginner understands slotting as a tactic, they will begin to see how taking calculated risks pays off in backgammon. Slotting may seem risky since you are leaving a blot open on the backgammon board. Of course, leaving blots when the opponent has made more points on the home board does look risky. However, during certain periods in the game, like during the first few moves in a backgammon game for instance, slotting is perfectly safe and the risk is factored against possible advantages.

You shouldn't worry about being hit early in the game since your opponent won't have many points made on the home board. It will be easy to catch up, and perhaps hit back in the process, in the early stage of backgammon. Slotting is an essential tactic when you want to control key positions or locations on the board.

You won't always roll doubles in backgammon, so slotting becomes a faster alternative when you want to make points really quick. You and your opponent will always be fighting for the five-point, four-point, and the bar-points. Slotting, as a tactic, facilitates a fast method of control taking the risk of getting hit into consideration.

There are opening rolls that will be interesting and quite effectively played if you use this tactic. At times you will be better off slotting your opponent's five-point early in the game if an opening roll allows you to do so. As stated, the risk is measured for this tactic, thus if you get hit you have a huge opportunity to hit back. Slotting is one fast way to control key points and brings the fight to your opponent. When this tactic is used, you can expect the action to rise in the game.