In very simple terms, there are 3 general plans used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious calamity since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!