In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic techniques used. You want to be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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