In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental game plans used. You want to be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other additional 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 opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this case!