In very general terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You need to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!