In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three basic strategies used. You must be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade 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 create the wall anyplace within your eleven-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 quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time dire straits considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!