Backgammon Priming: The Blockade Strategy

Published on June 10, 2026 · Updated on July 6, 2026

Priming means occupying several consecutive points with at least two of your own checkers each. Such a chain of blocked points is called a prime, and it prevents opposing checkers — especially ones coming from the bar — from jumping over this barrier.

How big does a blockade need to be?

Since a single die can show at most 6, a blockade of six consecutive occupied points (a so-called full prime) is completely impassable for the opponent — no roll is large enough to jump that distance. But even shorter blockades of four or five points already restrict the opponent’s options significantly.

Where’s the best place to build a blockade?

A blockade is most effective in or just in front of your own home board, because an opposing checker trapped there takes especially long to re-enter the game once it’s hit. The golden point and the bar point are often the first two building blocks of a stable blockade. If the blockade ends up being exactly the six points of your own home board, that’s called a closeout — then a hit checker can’t even re-enter from the bar at all.

When is priming worth it?

Priming is especially useful once you’ve already hit one or more opposing checkers and want to keep them trapped behind your blockade for as long as possible, while safely bringing your remaining checkers home. The downside: building a blockade takes time and good rolls — if it doesn’t come together in time, you can quickly fall behind in a pure race. To see how priming compares to other styles of play like the backgame or the blitz, see our backgammon strategy overview.

About the Author

Ulf Mayer

I love backgammon in all its forms – whether it's a quick match on my smartphone to pass the time, or a glass of wine alongside a beautiful wooden board with family and friends. As the founder of backgammon-meister.de, I share my passion, tactics, and tips to help both beginners and ambitious players dominate their next match. Dice cup ready? Let's master the game!

backgammon-meister.de has been online since 2008.