Mistake 1: Running Too Early

The error: Moving both back checkers out of the opponent’s home board as quickly as possible.

Why it’s wrong: Running immediately often leaves blots that get hit, costing more time than you saved. Instead, anchor first — secure a point in the opponent’s territory.

The fix: Make an anchor on the opponent’s 4, 5, or 6-point and wait for good opportunities to advance.

Mistake 2: Leaving Blots Everywhere

The error: Making moves that scatter single checkers across the board.

Why it’s wrong: Every blot is a target. Multiple blots give your opponent hitting options no matter what they roll.

The fix: Count the number of blots you leave after each move. Try to minimize them, especially in areas where the opponent has builders nearby.

Mistake 3: Stacking Checkers

The error: Piling 5-6 checkers on a single point.

Why it’s wrong: Only 2 checkers are needed to make a point. Extra checkers are wasted — they could be making other points or acting as builders.

The fix: Spread your checkers across multiple points. Aim to make new points rather than reinforce existing ones.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the 5-Point

The error: Not prioritizing making your 5-point.

Why it’s wrong: The 5-point is the single most valuable point on the board. It blocks the opponent’s escape route and begins your home board prime.

The fix: When you have the opportunity to make your 5-point, take it. It’s almost never wrong.

Mistake 5: Neglecting the Doubling Cube

The error: Never doubling (or always declining doubles).

Why it’s wrong: The doubling cube is a critical part of backgammon. Never doubling means you can’t leverage advantageous positions. Always declining means you forfeit too many games you could have won.

The fix: Learn the basics — double when you have roughly 70% winning chances. Accept a double if you have at least 25% winning chances.

Mistake 6: Playing Too Safely

The error: Always choosing the “safest” move — never slotting, never hitting.

Why it’s wrong: Backgammon requires calculated risks. If you never take chances, you’ll never build strong positions. Sometimes leaving a blot to gain a better position is correct.

The fix: Evaluate risk vs. reward. A 70% chance of making a key point is worth a 30% chance of being hit in many situations.

Mistake 7: Poor Bearing Off Technique

The error: Moving checkers toward the 1-point during bearing off instead of bearing them off directly.

Why it’s wrong: Each extra move in bearing off is a wasted roll. Bearing off from the highest point uses the dice most efficiently.

The fix: Bear off checkers rather than moving them down. Only move checkers within your home board when forced (no checker on the die’s number).

Mistake 8: Breaking the Anchor Too Early

The error: Abandoning your anchor in the opponent’s home board prematurely.

Why it’s wrong: Your anchor is your safety net. Until the right moment, it provides a re-entry point if you get hit and blocks the opponent.

The fix: Hold your anchor until your other checkers are well-positioned or until the timing is right for the race.

Mistake 9: Not Thinking About Pip Count

The error: Not knowing whether you’re ahead or behind in the race.

Why it’s wrong: Whether you’re winning or losing the race determines your entire strategy:

  • Ahead? Simplify and avoid complications.
  • Behind? Create contact and look for hits.

The fix: Learn to estimate the pip count. Even a rough count (“I’m about 20 pips behind”) changes your decisions dramatically.

Mistake 10: Not Learning from Losses

The error: Blaming dice for every loss.

Why it’s wrong: While dice create variance, skilled players consistently outperform unskilled players over time. If you blame dice for every loss, you miss opportunities to improve.

The fix: After games (especially losses), think about key decisions. Would a different play have been better? Use computer analysis tools to check your moves when possible.