In very simple terms, there are three basic strategies used. You need to be agile enough to hop between tactics instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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