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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 fundamental plans used. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time calamity since they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent's inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are near your opponent's smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it's more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!