In very simple terms, there are three fundamental strategies used. You must be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time dire straits considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!