In very simple terms, there are three fundamental techniques employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the begining 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 comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-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 opponent is now in big-time dire straits seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!