In exceptionally general terms, there are three chief game plans employed. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious calamity because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!
March 26th, 2021
Makenzie
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