In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 chief plans used. You must be able to hop between strategies quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, considering that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to hit them in this situation!