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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic game plans employed. You must be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the competitor's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble 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 is comprised of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious calamity because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The better areas for anchors are towards your opponent's smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there's no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, taking into account that you don't have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!