In very general terms, there are three chief game plans used. You want to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time calamity considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!