In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three basic tactics used. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!