In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three basic techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious calamity due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!