In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main plans used. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The better places for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!