In very general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be able to hop between strategies quickly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your competitor 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 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The best places for anchors are near your opponent’s lower 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 two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!