[ English ]

In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques used. You need to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious calamity taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!