In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic strategies used. You need to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
