In very general terms, there are 3 main game plans used. You need to be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The better places for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!