In very simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics employed. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, because you don’t have other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!