In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to hop between strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!