In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three main techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!