In very simple terms, there are three main game plans employed. You must be able to switch tactics almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!