In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious trouble because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!