In exceptionally general terms, there are three general tactics employed. You must be able to hop between strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this plan greatly improves your circumstances. The better places for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!