In astonishingly general terms, there are three fundamental tactics used. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effective 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 required to break up this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!