In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be able to hop between tactics quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!