In very simple terms, there are three basic plans used. You want to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time calamity seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your chances. The better places for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!