In very simple terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the start 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 continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious difficulty because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!