In exceptionally general terms, there are three main techniques used. You must be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty seeing 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 anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!