In very simple terms, there are three chief techniques used. You want to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!