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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in the opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are near your competitor's smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, considering that you don't have other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!