In very general terms, there are 3 basic strategies used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious trouble considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!