In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 basic plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opponent is moving their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!