In very simple terms, there are 3 basic techniques employed. You must be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time dire straits since they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!