In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general techniques used. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious calamity considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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