In very general terms, there are three fundamental tactics employed. You want to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious calamity since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!
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