In very simple terms, there are three fundamental game plans used. You must be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!