In very simple terms, there are three chief techniques used. You must be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time difficulty considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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