In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
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