In extraordinarily general terms, there are three chief tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!