In very simple terms, there are three chief techniques used. You want to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason 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 challenger is moving their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!