In astonishingly general terms, there are three basic game plans used. You must be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious difficulty since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!