In exceptionally general terms, there are three general techniques used. You need to be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious dire straits considering that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!