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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!