In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time trouble because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!