In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main tactics used. You need to be able to switch game plans instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!
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