In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You need to be agile enough to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!
September 15th, 2022
Lee
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