In very simple terms, there are 3 general plans employed. You want to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this case!