In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 main strategies employed. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is now in serious calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!