In astonishingly simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You want to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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