In extraordinarily general terms, there are three basic plans used. You must be agile enough to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better places for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!