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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious dire straits since they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!