Backgammon: Playing it Safe
Backgammon is a game of logic because it warrants a rational approach to whatever the situation demands. Although taking on the aggressor role is a common preference, a bold play all the way doesn't always assure backgammon victory. There are situations when adopting a safe play mid-game is always a wise choice.
So when does playing it safe become a necessary approach?
A safe play is an approach when you should avoid leaving a vulnerable blot or a single checker on a point that your opponent can easily bump or hit. The logic behind playing it safe is that if your opponent sends you to the bar, you will be stuck there for as long as your opponent can keep you there.
You should implement a safe play when your opponent has a strong home or inner board with a few back men on your side of the board. Your opponent has a strong inner board with a blockade of at least three points and a really solid one with a prime or a consecutive block of six points.
If it's necessary to leave a blot given your dice roll under these conditions, it's best to leave it on a point when it's likely to be safe from being bumped off. If your opponent is playing this right, there wouldn't be any hesitations on hitting your vulnerable checker if given the chance. A checker on the bar when your opponent has created an impenetrable home board is a very unfortunate consequence. You have no choice but to wait and wish that your opponent makes a blunder soon.
But if you have an anchor or a made point on your opponent's home board, just leave it there for a while. Don't be so keen on risking a run when it'll put your piece within six pips from an incoming enemy checker. You want to build up your own home board blockade in the meantime and hope that you can hit an enemy blot before the end-game.
If you've been playing backgammon for a while, you know that the tables will turn on you more than once in the course of a game. You'll find yourself aggressive at first, then playing it safe the next. A safe play is called for when you're behind in the count and your opponent has a strong inner board with a few back checkers. Under these circumstances, keep your checkers safe from the bar. It's only logical hold on to your position in a difficult situation rather than falling farther behind.