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Bowl Streaker!

In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in serious calamity because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!