In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time calamity because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!