In very general terms, there are 3 general tactics employed. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!