In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!