In very simple terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!