In very simple terms, there are 3 chief game plans employed. You need to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!