In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 main strategies employed. You must be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor’s checkers that are 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 between your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., 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 can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time dire straits since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!