In exceptionally simple terms, there are three general tactics used. You must be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time calamity since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!