In very simple terms, there are 3 general strategies used. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious trouble considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
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