In extraordinarily general terms, there are three general plans used. You want to be able to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious calamity considering that they have two checkers 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 competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!