In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental strategies used. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious difficulty since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!