In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!