In exceptionally general terms, there are three general techniques employed. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious calamity because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
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