In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental plans employed. You must be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious trouble seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower 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 two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!
November 4th, 2017
Lee
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