In very general terms, there are three fundamental game plans used. You need to be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble 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 is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!
