In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 basic plans used. You need to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!