In very general terms, there are three general techniques used. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!