In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You must be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point 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 challenger is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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