In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time difficulty seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!