In very general terms, there are 3 main plans used. You need to be agile enough to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It should be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your opportunities. The best places for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!