In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three fundamental plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!
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