In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 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 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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