In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You need to be agile enough to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your chances. The better areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!
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