In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You need to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious dire straits seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable 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 can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!
July 24th, 2019
Lee
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