In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!