In very simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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