In extraordinarily general terms, there are three basic game plans used. You need to be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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