In very general terms, there are three main techniques employed. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
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 two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!
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