In exceptionally general terms, there are three fundamental tactics employed. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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