In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic tactics used. You need to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable 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 may be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
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