In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
