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In exceptionally general terms, there are three fundamental game plans employed. You need to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not 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 preserve your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!