In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You want to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!
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