In very general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious trouble taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
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