In very simple terms, there are three fundamental tactics used. You want to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious dire straits seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!