In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 chief strategies employed. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle 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 challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time dire straits because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!