In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics employed. You want to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!