In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics employed. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, 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 acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 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 opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!