In very simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be able to switch game plans quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential 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 break down this straight away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!