In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 main game plans used. You need to be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!
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