In very general terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!