In extraordinarily general terms, there are three main plans used. You want to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-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 challenger is now in big-time trouble because they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
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