If you've researched your backgammon game, you know how important it is to use a solid backgammon strategy to help you win. Regardless of whether you're playing backgammon for free against friends or at free online skill gaming sites, or if you're competing in a serious tournament for cash prizes, you'll need to incorporate strategy into your game if you want to win.

Ask any experienced person who likes to play backgammon and he will tell you that strategy will often be the difference between winning and losing. Just like chess, knowing how to disrupt your opponent's game plan and how to play offensively and defensively are useful skills to develop if you're serious about backgammon online. The following information will help you to think strategically and develop your own successful backgammon strategy.

The first thing you need to do is put in place a game plan. Having a game plan gives you several advantages. Firstly, you can try to keep one step ahead of your opponent by always knowing what your next move will be. This will help you deduce what his next move may be based on your previous one, which is a useful skill to master. You are also less likely to be shaken by his aggressive strategies when you have something to fall back on.

Secondly, make sure you are fully familiar with the backgammon board. Learn about the different points on the board and what they can offer you in terms of security. Are there points that are useful to attack from, and others that will give you shelter when you're under attack? Make sure you over the backgammon rules regularly, including how to move your checkers and how your specific version of backgammon begins. Take note of the backgammon set up and take advantage of the many resources available online that will help you memorize the best vantage points for your checkers.

Another way to increase your knowledge of strategy is to use backgammon download software. This can be found at numerous free backgammon sites. Once downloaded and installed, a software program will help you hone your skills against a computer-based opponent. You can use the software to practice at your own pace as often as you like, which is guaranteed to improve both your skill levels and your confidence levels.

Finally, make sure you learn as much as you can from those players that are consistently successful at internet backgammon. Don't be shy to ask for tips and suggestions on how to improve your game. Use your free software to practice some of the more advanced strategies you learn from other players. And make sure you ask as many questions as you need to on online backgammon forums.

Despite a lot of hype to the contrary, you don't have to be a genius to become successful at playing backgammon. Providing you take advantage of all the learning material you can find and practice developing your new skills as much as you can, you will soon notice an improvement in your game.