In very simple terms, there are three general strategies used. You need to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious calamity because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!