In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 chief strategies used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!