In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 general techniques used. You want to be able to switch techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time calamity since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!
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