In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics employed. You must be agile enough to hop between game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!