In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You must be agile enough to switch game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious dire straits since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!