In very simple terms, there are three general plans used. You need to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious trouble considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, considering that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!
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