In very simple terms, there are three basic plans employed. You must be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!