In exceptionally general terms, there are three general tactics used. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker 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 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!