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In very general terms, there are 3 fundamental game plans used. You need to be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can manage, to block in the opponent's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious trouble seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor's smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it's better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!