In exceptionally simple terms, there are three general strategies used. You want to be agile enough to switch game plans quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!