In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques used. You need to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time difficulty considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!