[ English ]

In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general game plans used. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious calamity since they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, because you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!