In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
March 29th, 2020
Lee
Leave a reply