In very simple terms, there are three fundamental game plans used. You must be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can manage, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don’t have other spare checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!