In very simple terms, there are three general tactics employed. You must be able to hop between strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!