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Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!

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