In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic game plans employed. You need to be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious difficulty since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!