In very general terms, there are 3 basic strategies used. You must be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this case!