In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main plans employed. You want to be able to hop between tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle 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 competitor on the bar. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious difficulty because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your chances. The better locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!