Points to Consider When Doubling at the Blitz
Let's say we now have a full-blown blitz in our hands during a game of backgammon. When would be good time for the aggressor to offer a double? Should the defender accept or not? Let's take a look at all the angles we need to check before declaring a double whether we are the attacker or the defender.
Most of the time, the items under consideration for an attacker in a blitz would be pretty straightforward. The 2 main things that player needs to check would be the number of points has on his home board and if his opponent has enough checkers stuck either at the home board or at the bar.
We will now move forward and see what both the defender and the attacker need to consider during the game before we declare, accept or pass an offer to double when a blitz is in play
First off would be the home the attacker's home board points. In a blitz, the attacker should have made at least 3 points on the home board. Though the attacker has made that much points or more on his home board it is not quite a clear signal on the defender's part.
A defender should consider if the attacker has a considerable threat (i.e. he is in striking distance at blots on the board, or he already has one or more of the defender's checkers at the bar and has a good chance of keeping them there)
An attacker should only double when he has 3 or more points at the bar and when he has a threat poised. If the attacker doubles when this is present a defender should wisely pass, but in the absence of the threat a defender ought to accept/take even in spite of the points built at the attacker's home board.
Another item in a blitz we ought to check is if the attacker has built up his home board. A defender should consider a pass when offered to double if the attacker has already built up his home board. That means he has already covered 4, 5 or even up to 6 points at his home board.
Most of the time, when checkers are stuck at the bar with that much points covered they would rarely be able to escape. Accepting a double would be unwise in this stage of the blitz.
Lastly, an attacker in a blitz strategy should check for defensive anchors. Nothing stops a blitz faster than anchors. Attackers ought to rethink an offer to double when defensive anchors are in place. Both the attacker and the defender in a blitz should consider the defensive anchors, the number of checkers on the bar, and the possible threats present before offering, accepting, or passing up a double.
When running a blitz remember to check these conditions before considering an offer to double. These would also be good signals of a possible win and a possible double during a blitz play.