In very simple terms, there are three main techniques used. You want to be agile enough to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the game 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 competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious dire straits taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!