In very simple terms, there are three general strategies used. You must be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
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