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In extraordinarily general terms, there are three chief game plans used. You want to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to barricade in your opponent's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent's home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are close to your opponent's lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there's 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 opposer is shifting their checkers home, taking into account that you don't have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!