In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic strategies used. You need to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious calamity since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point 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 opponent is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!