In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic strategies employed. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious calamity considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!