In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!