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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time calamity considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, because you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!