In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main strategies used. You must be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious calamity since they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!
July 15th, 2020
Makenzie
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