In very simple terms, there are 3 chief techniques employed. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces 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 build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, because you don’t have other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!