In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You must be agile enough to hop between game plans almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!