In extraordinarily general terms, there are three main tactics used. You need to be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better places for anchors are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!
February 11th, 2024
Lee
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