In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three main strategies employed. You must be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!