In very general terms, there are 3 basic plans used. You must be able to hop between strategies instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!
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