[ English ]

In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic plans employed. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time difficulty taking into account that 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 pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!