In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious trouble because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots 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 pieces home, because you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!
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