In very simple terms, there are three basic game plans employed. You want to be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!