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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You want to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to lock in the opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time calamity because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better locations for anchors are close to your opponent's lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there's no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! 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 a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!