In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general strategies employed. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
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