In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 basic plans employed. You need to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious dire straits because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!