In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 basic plans used. You must be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty taking into account 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 home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!
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