In very general terms, there are three basic strategies employed. You want to be able to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious trouble considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!