In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You need to be agile enough to hop between game plans quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!
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