In very general terms, there are three main plans used. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!