In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief plans used. You need to be able to hop between tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
