In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics employed. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!