In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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