In very simple terms, there are 3 chief strategies employed. You need to be able to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!