In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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