In very simple terms, there are 3 general techniques employed. You must be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this case!
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