In very general terms, there are 3 main game plans used. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!
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