In exceptionally general terms, there are three general techniques used. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
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