In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general game plans employed. You want to be able to hop between techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!
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