In very simple terms, there are three basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time calamity due to the fact 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 higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don’t have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!