In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies used. You need to be able to hop between game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious dire straits considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
