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Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are three chief techniques used. You want to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in the competitor's pieces 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 anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent's inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your competitor's smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it's more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!