In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch game plans quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!