In very general terms, there are three general plans used. You must be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious calamity because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, because you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!