In very simple terms, there are 3 main tactics used. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!