In astonishingly general terms, there are three basic plans used. You must be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The better locations for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!