In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!
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