In very general terms, there are 3 general techniques employed. You must be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!
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