In very general terms, there are 3 basic techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The best places for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!