In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 general techniques used. You must be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!