In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!