In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques used. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

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

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!