In very general terms, there are three basic techniques used. You need to be able to hop between game plans instantly 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 can achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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