In exceptionally simple terms, there are three fundamental plans employed. You must be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious trouble considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
July 2nd, 2026
Makenzie
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