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

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious difficulty because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, seeing that you do not have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!