In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You must be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. 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 continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time dire straits because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!
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