In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main strategies used. You want to be agile enough to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!