In very simple terms, there are three chief tactics used. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!