In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!