In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic plans used. You must be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious calamity because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!