In very simple terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!