In very simple terms, there are three chief tactics used. You need to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!
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