In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main tactics used. You want to be agile enough to hop between tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, considering that you do not have other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!
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