In exceptionally simple terms, there are three general strategies used. You want to be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious difficulty taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!