In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main game plans used. You want to be able to hop between game plans instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious trouble because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this case!
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