149
money game
Blue
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Problem 1
| 159 149 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 13/7.
It's early in the match and blue has the advantage of escaping a back checker. White's position is equally awkward, so there's no reason to take a chance and get hit, so the safe play of 13/7 is it.
Alan Alsop: 13/7.
Nothing to special here with Blue having a small lead in the race and an identical prime. Also with one man back I don't think it would be a good idea making the 4 pt and exposing the 8 pt. White on the other side of the board has only one's to hit directly without breaking up his three pt prime if Blue were to move up to the 5 pt. Although moving up and escaping is foremost in the mind is this the best move here. Blue doesn't want to be hit either on Whites 5 pt or in his outer board loosing tempo. I will go for bringing down an additional and welcome builder. The back man can wait.
Chuck Bower: 13/7.
Safe vs. bold says "safe". Unstack the heavy midpoint. Keep theback loner out of harms way. Wait for the next roll.
George Klitsas: 13/7.
A third checker (spare) on the bar point, in similar positions, is of great value, because Blue adds a new builder to his potential without risk (compared to 24/20 13/11, 24/22 13/9 or the provocative 13/11 13/9). The play that stands out as the winner is, therefore, 13/7, much better than the bold 8/4 6/4, either.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/20, 13/11.
Blue is not happy about getting a second checker send back, so caution is advised. Bringing a builder down and trying to escape the back checker has the advantage that if Blue gets hit on the 11th point with an indirect shot he will have a good chance for making a nice advantaged anchor when entering from the bar. Which will make up for the fact of having been hit
Mary Lee Pinkney: 24/20, 13/11.
In this situation I would move 24/20, 13/11.
Blue doesn�t want to make the 4 point with this roll because White hashis back men split and would most likely hit Blue�s blot that would beleft sitting back on the 8 point.
I think it�s better to move Blue�s man to the 11 point (from themidpoint) so that it is now placed six points away from the 5 point.Blue would love to be able to secure that 5 point in the near future aswell as making a four-point prime in the process.
It is also good for Blue to move his back checker forward to the 20point, so that he can prepare to escape next roll. (Blue is ahead inthe race so preparing to escape his back man is a good thing to do.)
Snowie: 13/7.
Nothing rash here. I have only one checker back, and I don't want thatstatus to change on the next roll. Unstacking to the bar point is fine.I can improve my board or run later.
Marty Storer: 13/7.
This looks very easy. The only real difference in theplayers' positions is that Blue is ahead in the racewithone checker back against two. White has no majorthreats.With White's back men split, there's no reason toleaveany outfield shots, either direct or indirect. 13/7addsa builder and unstacks the midpoint with no risk.
Bob Stringer: 13/7.
White would like to unstack his heavy 6 point, and I see no reasonto give him a target. The checker on the 24 point stays where itis. And since White has already split his back men, putting twomen in the outfield gives him too many shots - so 13/11, 13/9 isout. 8/4, /64 gives him a direct shot, so that's out too. Thatleaves 13/7. Not sexy-looking, but it unstacks the mid-point andmoves the checker to a helpful spot.
Casper van der Tak: 13/7.
Only one checker back, so Blue needs to be careful about exposing blots. 8/4 6/4 is a huge overplay of the position, 18 shots that are very costly. 13/9 13/11 also leaves a lot of shots, and can be discarded for that reason. 24/22 13/9 and 24/20 13/11 are reasonable, but expose a second blot. White will attack the lone back checker if White cannot hit the builder; therefore, the builder created is not worth much.
13/7 stays out of harm way, creates an additional builder, and seems the most effective play.
Kit Woolsey: 13/7.
This quiet play puts an important builder into place without taking anyrisks. I have only one checker back, so the cost of being hitby a direct or indirect shot is too great. My back man is notin immediate danger of being trapped even though White has made his barpoint. There will be opportunities to flee later.
Chris Yep: 13/7.
Since Blue has already escaped a back man and White is not threatening much, he should make a quiet play, assuming that it is reasonably constructive. 13/7 meets this requirement as it leaves no shots, unstacks the midpoint, and adds a builder. There are some arguments for moving up the back man. However, Blue has more timing (despite being ahead in the race) as a result of having escaped a back checker, and this checker is not yet in too much danger of being primed. Therefore it looks best to play quietly, 13/7.
Summary: A near unanimous vote for the quiet building play. Players thesedays have learned just how costly it can be to be hit even in the earlystages of the game.
Play Votes Score13/7 10 10024/20, 13/11 2 7024/22, 13/9 0 4013/11, 13/9 0 408/4, 6/4 0 40
Problem 2
| 142 146 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 21/15(2).
The question is whether to snatch the 5-point, but leave 2 checkers to bring around from the 18-point (21/18 (2), 8/5 (2)) or just bring the back men out to the outfield. Since the 10-point is blocked for White's boxcars, taking the racing lead and controlling the outfield seems best.
Alan Alsop: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
Run or hold, crops up time and again. The points are similar but Whites position is a bit more stable with good timing. I not to keen on the spaces between my men but they do have builders on the 6 and 8 pt. Making the bar pt (13/7) isolates the back men. Playing (10/7)(8/5) is a nice pure play. But future play is causing me concern with lack of builders with a total forward game. Moving out Blue can control the outfield better and prepare for running home, but whether to carry on is another matter. Moving all the way leaves Blue with gaps to fill and could prove a big obstacle. I will go for part running my back men and realistically the other three's would have to make the 5 pt.
Chuck Bower: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
It doesn't take much of an argument to make the 5-point. The blot on the 2-point can be covered from the 6-point later. Normally the opp's barpoint is a better defensive point than the 21-point,particularly when the race is close, as here. Two improvementswith one roll.
George Klitsas: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
In similar positions, one must make life easier for himself but, at the same time, make life difficult for his opponent, which is not, of course, just the other side of the same coin. Meaning that somehow Blue must find the balance, the algebraic sum of these two quantities being as positive for him as possible. With that in mind, Blue must realize that staying back on the twenty one point [10/7(2) 8/5(2) looks best from this group] just gives a lot of freedom to White in the outfield. Apart from this, this play is short sighted, since Blue is without spares and must give something soon (effect of being ahead in the race and, consequently, behind in the timing battle). Blue must move those back checkers, that's for sure. Should Blue move them all the way (21/15), making HIS life easier, by applying the well known motto "when ahead in the race, race" just ignoring the effect of this move to White? This would be a mistake, too, for White's life becomes easier, as well, in another way. Blue must move thoseback checkers to the point that makes White's life as difficult as possible [21/18(2)]. The other half of the move speaks for itself [8/5(2)], as nobody can deny the importance of making the five point in the resulting position, a crucial point that I don't even know if Blue is a favorite to make otherwise. Needless to repeat, my solution is 21/18(2) 8/5(2).
Laila Leonhardt: 21/15(2).
Very even race and a great opportunity to be the first to jump the hurdle.
White will still be stuck having a holding game behind a potentially strong prime, while blues only worries here is to clear his points without leaving a shot and keep an eye out for a good time to turn the cube.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
I think the best thing to do here is to secure two valuable boardpoints, by moving 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
Blue will now have his anchor on his opponent�s bar point and also havemade his (Blue�s) own 5 point! (Blue is slightly ahead in the pip countafter this move and the cube is in the center.) This is definitely theplay I would make.
Snowie: 21/15(2).
When both sides have anchors, the player who's anchor is farther advancedgenerally has the advantage. This is essentially a race, and I want tobe ready to race all the way home when I roll my next good set of doubles.Making the five point is nice, but that leaves me with a strippedposition.
Marty Storer: 21/15(2).
With a checker buried and a lead in the race, Blue hasgood incentive to try to run home. This gives 11 ways(including double 1's) to clear the 15 safely, orsemi-safely by leaving a 7-shot. 33 and 31 also play well;53, 52 and 32 can be used to clear the midpoint. Bluewill have multiple rolls to hope for such good things;nothing forces a direct shot yet. After the tempting21/18(2) 8/5(2), Blue's back men are farther fromhome,and there's a bit of awkwardness because of theoutsidestrippage.
Bob Stringer: 21/18(2), 8/5(5).
Nothing else feels right to me. With all those 3's and all thosecheckers on the 8 point, I'd feel silly not making the 5 point.Given that as a starting point, moving up to White's bar point isthe natural follow-up, since 6/3(2) just dumps men behind White'sanchor.
Casper van der Tak: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
Blue will be slightly ahead after the roll. For timing reasons, it is important to move the back checkers. In addition, Blue would like to make an additional blocking point, hence 8/5(2). Combining these, we get 21/18(2) 8/5(2).
21/15(2) is a sound alternative that emphasizes racing and timing considerations. Should Blue's lead in the race be slightly larger, say 3-4 pips more, that would have been my play.
Kit Woolsey: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
I'm not going to have many opportunities to make my five point, so I believeI should take advantage of this one. Getting the back checkers out intothe outfield is the other priority. Ownership of my ten point is strong,and making the three point can wait.
Chris Yep: 21/18(2), 8/5(2).
8/5(2) makes the important 5 point to equalize boards. This looks best. If Blue doesn't make the 5 point now, it may be difficult to make it later, and without the 5 point Blue will often have an awkward position. On the other side of the board I like 21/18(2). Since Blue is ahead in the race, it looks best to start to move his back men forward.
Summary: Everybody recognizes the importance of getting theback checkers on the move in this sort of position. The five point isthe five point, say the majority of the panel. It sure does look pretty,doesn't it?
Play Votes Score21/18(2), 8/5(2) 8 10021/15(2) 4 8021/18(2), 13/10(2) 0 4021/18(2), 10/7(2) 0 4013/7(2) 0 4013/10(2), 8/5(2) 0 4010/7(2), 8/5(2) 0 408/5(2), 6/3(2) 0 40
Problem 3
| 133 135 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 24/20, 12/9.
Time is running out for Blue to escape it's back men. Blue's biggest asset is its home board. Should Blue take advantage of that asset and hit White? If White didn't have the 7-point locked up, that might be the play. I'm guessing that if White had a different outfield point locked up, the attack may be the play to make. However, Blue has lots of work to do even if White flunks on the first roll. By moving 24/20 12/9, 1's are duplicated in hitting the men on the 20 and 8 point. White has an awkward approach to locking down its home board, so now is the time to get the back men moving.
Alan Alsop: 24/20, 12/9.
Blue has a lot of blots to clear up and is in danger of getting in a bit of a squeeze. What is the best use to be made of this move with the back men also looking to escape as well. Clearly White is looking fairly good on making a good home board if he rolls low. But he also has to extricate his back man. Blue does have a stronger home board. Perhaps utilising this, a hit is a possibility but with no immediate follow up Blue would be looking for White to flunk his next roll. I think the best situation is to force Whites hand with the above move. Blue needs to challenge White, by moving up a back man and with 12/9 this will also duplicates one's.
Chuck Bower: 12/8, 9/6.
Splitting is tempting, but not with other blots. Blue has the better board and outfield control. The pressure is on White to perform. That usually means "don't give opp opportunities." I'm making the quiet play and waiting to see what White counters with.
George Klitsas: 24/20, 12/9.
In this position that resulted, in all probability, after an all-out effort by Blue to close out White and then extract at his ease his back checkers or win with the cube - but White entered, Blue is caught with three blots strewn around and the problem of extracting his back checkers, intact. Should Blue continue his attack with the plan we just figured he was following a few moves ago (by playing 8/1*)? Maybe, if Blue had a direct cover. It's extremely difficult to evaluate positions of this kind and the position of the cube seems to favor this play, but I will say no and I will try to find the solution among the thematic 24/20 12/9 and the consolidating and more (seemingly, at least!) safe 12/8 9/6. I say thematic, because 24/20 12/9 is a play "under the gun", when White will make his five point whether Blue is there or not, if he rolls a suitable roll. This play is attractive, because White has the stronger board in case of hits or return hits from the bar. The consolidating move (12/8 9/6) avoidsthe immediate catastrophe and reckons on White's difficulty in clearing Blue's bar point. I know that on the table I would play 24/20 12/9 (that's my vote for the quiz, as well) but 12/8 9/6 is a move I would not object for in a chouette and could well be objectively better.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/20, 12/9.
Blue has to ensure his flexibility. It will not take much for him to end up in a very gammonish position if he gets stuck behind whites prime and have to break off his contact points in the mid board.
Duplicated 1's for hitting and challenging white to get into a hitting exchange is blues strength here. White will not be happy to risk getting on the bar.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 24/20, 12/9.
I think it is important to move 24/20, 12/9.
I�m worried about Blue�s two back men becoming trapped behind White�sgrowing prime if he doesn�t move forward now to either secure an anchoror to escape! Also, Blue has the stronger inner board so now is a goodtime to attempt moving in a forward direction.
12/9 tidies up the blots in the outer board and also duplicates 1�s forWhite (from the 7 point to hitting Blue on the 8 point, and from the 19point to hitting Blue on the 20 point.)
I briefly thought about hitting White�s blot on the 1 point but thennoticed how awkward and dangerous the next couple of rolls look forBlue! White could enter and hit one of Blue�s two outer board blotsand/or Blue could become trapped behind White�s growing prime.
Snowie: 24/20, 12/9.
I am running out of time. It is vital to split the back men before theyare trapped. I have the stronger inner board, so the danger of leavingblots and shots is minimized. Timing is my main concern here, andconnecting my back checkers with the rest of the position.
Marty Storer: 24/20, 12/9.
It's time to do something precipitous before Whiteimproves. 8/1* qualifies as precipitous, and so does24/20 12/9. But 8/1* leaves three blots with nodirect covers, so it's a little loose for my liking.Splitting to the 20 point threatens to anchor orescape, and the time is ripe to try that.
Bob Stringer: 24/20, 12/9.
Too many blots for 8/1* to be good. On the other hand, 12/8, 9/6and 12/9, 8/4 look too cautious. Something has to be done aboutthe checkers on the 24 point. I don't want them to be buriedthere, so I'll cross my fingers and step up to the 20 point. It'sdangerous, but better to do it now while I have the advantage of a4 point board to his 2 point board.
Casper van der Tak: 24/20, 12/9.
The routine play is 12/8 9/6, safe, putting a spare on the 6, and preparing for the attack. But that play does not address the main feature of the position: White is doing much better in the priming game; only one checker back and the bar anchor. Therefore, Blue should prevent white from steering towards a priming game. Another key feature is that Blue outboards White; therefore, Blue is likely to do well in tactical variations. Both features of the position call for a play that is tactically oriented.
8/1* is an option. The problem is that getting hit is costly, and that Blue has no covers in position, meaning that if White dances, White is very likely to get more shots at the blot on the ace. Also, 8/1 leaves Blue with a lot to do in short time - bring in builders for the ace, cover, move up with the back checkers.
24/20 12/9 uses Blue's board advantage to protect the back checkers, and increases board coverage. Unless White rolls a joker, the advantage will shift to Blue.
Kit Woolsey: 12/8, 9/6.
I believe it is necessary to button up for now and hope to fire someguns next turn. Splitting with 24/20, 12/9 is pretty rich, and theloose hit 8/1* leaves a ton of blots. My stronger inner board says tomake a bold play, but none of the bold plays work too well.
Chris Yep: 24/20, 12/9.
8/1* looks a bit too loose. Blue doesn't have any direct covers and with his extra blots he could soon find himself with 3 or more checkers behind White's growing prime. White has the better timing as a result of his advanced anchor. If Blue doesn't escape a back checker soon he could find himself having to break his midpoint soon. Thus, 24/20, preparing to either make an advanced anchor or to leap with one checker looks attractive. I believe Blue should play 24/20 12/9. This looks like an ideal time to step up, while Blue still enjoys a 4 to 2 board advantage. At the same time Blue cleans up 2 of his front blots while creating some structure up front.
Summary: The panel felt that the main priority was tosplit the back checkers, despite leaving a few shots. In retrospect, Ican be convinced that this is correct. Even though we have checkerson the midpoint to play with, those back men can get into trouble ifthey aren't split quickly.
Play Votes Score24/20, 12/9 10 10012/8, 9/6 2 7012/9, 8/4 0 408/1* 0 40
Problem 4
| 141 168 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 20/9.
Lots of choices to consider. Blue is going to be behind in the race following the move. Most of the move leaves varied amounts of risk. 13/2* seems to be taking more of a bite than is worth it. 24/13 is probably the safest play and helps with outfield control. I'm feeling daring, so I'll select 20/9, although I'm asking for trouble if I'm hit back and flunk on the next exchange.
Alan Alsop: 14/8, 13/8.
There are too many of Blues men in Whites home board for a successful blitz on Whites lonely blot. So this is not an option especially as Blue is behind in the race and lacking in support men. Having Whites 5 pt will influence what's the best game plan. Running from the back will release an additional builder but nothing else. Moving one man from the 5 pt to the 9 pt creates a useful builder ready for the next roll. Indeed alternative moves on this theme will prove a great benefit to Blue. But the stronger move is locking White in by making the 8 pt. Loosing the midpt is not imperative at the moment with the 5 pt still active.
Chuck Bower: 13/2*.
This looks like another "safe vs. bold" type of position. White is on the rail with no anchor. Blue trails in the race, owns an equal board, and holds the best possible anchor. 20/9 is moderately bold. 13/2* is maximally bold. I think the choice is between these two. Blue can smell blood here. I think putting a second checker up is worth the minor risk. If that fails, other gameplans will still be viable.
George Klitsas: 14/8, 13/8.
An instructive problem, for it teaches us to deviate from just following principles, when the ingredients of the position dictate otherwise. One of the principles we usually follow without much thought and lead us to reject a move is "keep the mid". But, does really Blue want to retain the mid in this position by all means? The answer is definitely no. Other points have more impact on the position as a whole and, in any case, Blue seems to have enough control of the outfield (the main argument in favor of keeping the mid) with his twenty point, even with his back checker and the lone checker on the mid, resulting after the best move 14/8 13/8. It's the restoration of the eight point that's more important than anything else in this position.
Laila Leonhardt: 14/8, 13/8.
White is in lots of trouble and it doesn't take that much for Blue to secure the position enough to turn the cube and most likely even get passed.
Building a prime is the long term view, if white fails to make 4 point or hit back, blues potential is so strong holding the 8 point and builders for more priming points that in spite of having 4 checkers back and no midpoint white is often going to drop next turn
Mary Lee Pinkney: 14/8, 13/8.
I like making a fourth prime point by moving 14/8, 13/8.
This move also immediately blocks White�s man on the 2 point for sixes.Blue should be able to remake his midpoint or another outer board pointwithin the next roll or two. This move also leaves a flexible positionfor Blue to play his next couple of rolls.
I noticed the move of 20/14, 10/5 but it definitely looks less flexiblefor Blue to play upcoming rolls.
I like the prime and flexibility that the move of 14/8, 13/8 gives Blue.
Snowie: 24/13.
I don't have the ammunition to carry out an attack, so I must playpositionally. The one thing I can be sure of is that my back checkerdoesn't belong where it is now -- it belongs out in the outfield.I have rolled the number to get it there, and that must be the play.
Marty Storer: 24/13.
Making the 8 point is attractive, but I don't thinkit's threatening enough to justify giving up themidpoint. Either 24/13 or 20/14 10/5 controls a lotof territory, maintaining pressure against White'sback checkers. I think 24/13 is worth the risk of7 hitting numbers; it avoids the frontloading effectof 10/5, and avoids making a second outfield pointthat might be difficult to hold. If it works, Blue'sstraggler is out, and all his checkers are cooperatingvery well. This problem is somewhat similar toProblem3 from the December 2001 quiz, maybe taken from thesame game.
Bob Stringer: 14/8, 10/5.
This game has a ways to go, so the last thing I'm going to do isbreak the midpoint, although 14/8, 13/8, forming a nice brokenprime and blocking the 2 point *is* tempting. One thing thatstruck me right away was that White could be facing a reallyawkward roll here - *if* he enters. With that in mind, I likefirming up the position and setting myself up better to pounce onWhite's back men. 20/14 does the former, 10/5 the latter.
Casper van der Tak: 14/8, 13/8.
This is a useful blocking point whatever happens next, and prepares to continue the attack should White dance. 13/2* overplays the position, putting too much emphasis on the blitz with too many checkers back and too little firepower in place. On the other hand, a play like 24/13 does too little on the offensive side. Making the 8 looks to me like the most balanced play.
Kit Woolsey: 24/13.
The natural play. This consolidates my position and next turn I will beprepared to flood my outer board with builders. Getting that back checkerinto play will make my game flow a lot more smoothly since I won't haveto be worrying about the checker later. Other approaches leave myposition too disjointed.
Chris Yep: 24/13.
The 24-point checker isn't guarding much right now since White has a safe way to play 4s, 5s, and 6s. With a limited number of checkers up front, I believe Blue does better playing positionally. Thus, I don't like attacking now with 13/2*. The game currently hinges on the outfield, so Blue should strive for a strong outfield presence. 24/13 looks best. Since the 24-point checker has only limited value on the 24 point, moving it to the 13 point is a big improvement. 24/13 gives Blue solid outfield coverage as well as keeping spares on important points (the 20 and 13 points). 24/13 leaves more blots than some of the safer plays (e.g. 20/14 10/5 and 14/8 10/5), but the extra outfield coverage is worth it in my opinion. Blue won't like it if White hits from the bar, but he doesn't lose too much since he already has several checkers back. On the other hand, if White misses, Blue will be in a position to improve his outfield coverage or to make an important blocking point. Note that Blue can make a good blocking point right away, the 8 point (14/8 13/8), but it comes at the cost of breaking the midpoint. This is too much of a concession in my opinion since it breaks the link between Blue's 4 back men and the rest of the army.
Summary: A close vote between working on the offense and unitingall the checkers. My experience has been that most players tend tooverdo an attack, and they get into trouble when things go badly. Thisis a good example. I am very comfortable with 24/13.
Play Votes Score14/8, 13/8 5 10024/13 4 9020/9 1 6014/8, 10/5 1 6013/2* 1 6024/18, 14/9 0 4020/14, 10/5 0 40
Problem 5
| 152 126 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 8/2*, 6/1*.
The question is whether to be passive or aggressive. If the cube wasn't turned, playing passively by playing 20/14 8/3 or 20/14 8/3 makes more sense. However, with the cube turned, being aggressive here is the best. Although the double hit does have risk, the rewards will be quite great if White flunks. Even if White hits back, Blue has lots of things going for it, for example the White blot on 17-point waiting to be scooped up.
Alan Alsop: 8/2*, 6/1*.
In danger of being gammoned Whites game is not in good shape and is looking to consolidate his position very quickly. If Blue decides to play a positional game this would certainly play into Whites hand. Blue can keep White well and truly strung out by keeping White dancing. Hitting both is right here with Whites two blots in the air and a stronger home board Blues blots can be utilised to maximum effect. Hit both.
Chuck Bower: 8/2*, 6/1*.
White is vulnerable and Blue should take maximum advantage. Witha better board and White having three blots with no anchor, attacking seems mandatory. As was the case in problem 4, two opp checkers on the bar is powerful. Even when White enters Blue will be in good position to continue the attack. "Kick 'em when they're down" is poor sportsmanship in most endeavors, but just sound tactics at backgammon.
George Klitsas: 8/2*, 6/1*.
The so called "overkill" of the opponent is to be avoided when the cube is in the middle or on our side (in other words when we have access to the cube) but not at all when we have sent it over. Much better than any other move, looks the attacking, bold, blitzing, anchor-denying, all-out play 8/2* 6/1*. This play has also another, a hidden one, strategic element. Blue wants to give himself the chance, while White will be trying to enter both of his blots from the bar, to get rid of White's blot/builder on the seventeen point.
Laila Leonhardt: 14/8, 6/1*.
Prime, hit and clean up.
Three good deeds in one roll.
Prime: to make it harder for White to get back into the game if Blueshould get hit.
Hit: Keep White occupied in the air, take away Whites flexibility andmake the chance for blitzing and winning a gammon larger
Clean up: Blots are good, many blots can be dangerous. The more looseblots you have laying around the bigger the chance that you wont recover from White hitting or rolling a joker.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 8/2*, 6/1*.
My answer to this �blotful� problem is to double hit with 8/2*, 6/1*.
By double hitting, White will now have two men sitting on the bar withBlue having the stronger inner board. Blue should be able to hit theWhite�s blot on the 17 point shortly. Blue will then have three ofWhite�s men sent back, which may lead to a gammon (and the cube hasalready been turned, so a gammon counts).
Also, by hitting both of White�s men this obviously keeps White fromhitting Blue�s outer board blots and from making valuable points (andprogress) in the game.
Snowie: 8/2*, 6/1*.
Knock him down and keep him down. Attack is the name of the game. I havethe stronger inner board, he has yet another blot waiting in the wings,and while I am a bit short on ammunition for a full blitz I have plenty ofmaterial to make another point or two and keep White on the bar. Lesspassive plays give White a chance to anchor and get off easily. Myplay leaves a lot of blots, but the counterattack danger isn't too great.
Marty Storer: 8/2*, 6/1*.
Blue should attack before White can consolidate.Hitting twice isn't that risky, and promises biggains when White misses. Even if he hits, he maystill be in trouble; Blue may still improve theboard, and White has a third blot in direct range.Hitting twice is the best way to win a gammon.Blue has no cube access, so there are no overkillconsiderations.
Bob Stringer: 20/14, 13/8.
The double hit is tempting, but no. While I have a good game, itcould go south in a hurry if I take too big a risk. I'll forego asingle hit for the same reason - why mess with a good game, whenit can be improved by other means? Making the 8 point looks likethe correct play, since it blocks the 2 point. Getting the lastman out of White's board also looks like a fine idea. Ccombiningthe two concepts leads to 20/14, 13/8.
Casper van der Tak: 8/2*, 6/1*.
Many blots around - this is a tactical position. Blue has the advantage in board strength, the ability to put in a double first strike, and an additional checker to pick up. To me, the double hit stands out here.
Kit Woolsey: 14/8, 6/1*.
The double-hit is tempting, but thats an awful lot of blots to leavelying around. The eight point has lasting value, and this clearsup a couple of blots conveniently. One loose hit gives me the tempofor a possible attack without risking a major disaster if it backfires.
Chris Yep: 8/2*, 6/1*.
Blue has to give White a fair number of shots no matter what he plays. Even a "safe" move like 20/14 8/3 gives White 14(!) indirect shots. 14/8 9/4 cuts down on the number of shots at the outfield blot, but even this move is not so safe. White will then have 10 numbers to make the 5 point on Blue's head (5-3, 5-1, 3-1, 5-5, 4-4, and 1-1; let's also throw in 3-3 since White at least gets another inner board point out of it) and 6 numbers (6-3, 5-4, 6-4) to hit Blue's 11-point blot, a total of at least 16 strong numbers, some of them crushing. Other plays have results similar to either 20/14 8/3 or 14/8 9/4. The only play which doesn't fall into this category is 8/2* 6/1*. This gives White 21 shots (1s, 2s, and 5-5), but as we've seen from the above analysis, this is not much higher than the other candidate plays. White is caught without an anchor, while Blue has the stronger board and is shooting at a 3rd blot. I strongly believe Blue should hit twice.
Summary: Our blitz-hungry panel went straight for the jugular with the double-hit.Maybe that is right, but 6 blots is a lot of blots, and one builder is veryfew builders. I'm not convinced yet.
Play Votes Score8/2*, 6/1* 9 10014/8, 6/1* 2 7020/14, 13/8 1 6020/14, 9/4 0 4020/14, 8/3 0 4020/14, 6/1* 0 4014/8, 9/4 0 4014/9, 8/2* 0 40
Problem 6
| 166 155 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 24/21, 11/7.
White has the 5-point locked up, so sealing up the 7-point with the 4 seems best. The question is, do you add another blot to be hit by moving 13/10 or do you put pressure on the White blot on the 16-point by moving 24-21. Although there is some risk by moving up to the 21-point, there are nice rewards if the blot isn't hit or if the blot on the 15-point is hit and it returns to White's home board as an asset to lock up the 21-point, for example. There are more positives with 24/21 rather than 13/10, so that's the move.
Alan Alsop: 24/21, 11/7.
Blue will need to tidy up his blots on this move. White is entrenched on the 5 pt and with builders 9 throws can make a useful pt in his home board. Blue can't cover everything with this move but can achieve a significant point. With White on the 5 pt either the 11 pt or the bar pt is available. The 11 pt if made will expose the bar pt with a double shot and it will be taken out if rolled. The resulting position would not greatly improve Blues position. A stronger play of making the bar pt would be better, starting a prime with 3 men behind it. I won't bring a man from the midpt, that's too many blots. The only logical 3 left is moving up from the back But at least I am keeping my men connected.
Chuck Bower: 15/11, 7/4.
With four blots, a race lead, and no anchor, consolidating seemsprudent. Meanwhile, keeping the unthreatened back checker out of harms way looks like a good plan. When the rest of the board is rock solid Blue can think about moving it. Both 11-point and 7-point are valuable. Note the added bonus of White's hitting loose on his 10-point because it brings a builder comfortably into position. I think these considerations point at 15/11 with 7/4 as the followup.
George Klitsas: 24/21, 11/7.
After the obvious 11/7, Blue has two options, namely 24/21 and 13/10. I think that most players would play almost automatically the correct 24/21 and not the most sophisticated but wrong 13/10. The latter creates a third blot and, although it's true that if Blue makes eventually his ten or nine point, this would be a great improvement, this scenario is simply too optimistic. I vote for 24/21 11/7.
Laila Leonhardt: 15/11, 7/4.
A small lead in the race and have escaped with 1 back checker.Something Blue would like to hold on to if he can.Blue wants to avoid getting hit and try to make a safe return to keep his advantage over White.Playing to the 4 point minimizes shots but also duplicates the 3/1 and 3/4 that White would be using to make the 5-point.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 24/21, 11/7.
I would definitely move 24/21, 11/7 in this position.
11/7 cleans up two blots, makes the bar point and a small blockade(3-point prime) in the process.
Moving out from 24 to 21 puts a Blue checker in range (6 points away) ofBlue�s other blot sitting out on the 15 point. It would be nice tosecure an anchor on the 15 point next roll, but if this doesn�t happenat least now the blot on the 15 point has back-up (for a return shot) ifit gets hit by White on the next roll.
Blue is slightly ahead in the race so it looks good to deal with hisfour blots, and to secure the bar point in the process.
Snowie: 24/21, 11/7.
This looks like the natural play. The bar point is part of my blockade,and advancing the back checker puts all my men into communication. Otherplays leave my position unnecessarily disjointed.
Marty Storer: 24/21, 11/7.
The 7 point is so attractive here that I narrow thechoices down to 11/7 13/10 and 11/7 24/21. 11/76/3 is a weenie play that does nothing constructive;the other plays try for more. 24/21 goes for escapeand may generate favorable contact; putting the backchecker in communication with the one on the 15 pointhas some value, and double hits aren't to be fearedmuch.13/10 isn't overly dangerous, but it's more dangerousthan 24/21. By comparison, slotting the 10 pointdoes less about escape, takes a bigger risk of racingsetback, leaves three very potent double-hit numbersincluding devastating 55, and gives more consolidationheadaches whether White hits or misses.
Bob Stringer: 15/11, 7/4.
Once again a veritable plethora of blots to be cleaned up. I'dmake the 3 point if I could do it while leaving only one blot inthe outfield, but no can do here. Consequently, I'm determined toplay the 4 either 15/11 or 11/7. I don't like the latter, since ifWhite hits he not only sends a man back, he gets a formidableoutfield. 24/21, 15/11 gives White too much opportunity forattack, so that leaves the chosen play.
Casper van der Tak: 24/21, 11/7.
Makes a point, prepares to escape, and makes it the most difficult for White to catch up in the race by hitting. I am not sure about the alternative, everything seems to leave a lot of shots and blots, except 15/11 7/4, but that is very difficult to put back together again.
Kit Woolsey: 15/11, 7/4.
Making the bar point isn't so valuable with White camped on my five point.The eleven point is a great blocking point here, and I start an innerboard point which may prove to be important.
Chris Yep: 24/21, 11/7.
White has already made an advanced anchor so there is only small value to making the 3 point (7/3 6/3). Blue enjoys a modest race lead and has 2 men back to White's 3 men back. Putting this all together, I like 24/21 11/7 which does the best to help preserve Blue's racing edge, as well as consolidating Blue's front position by making the bar point.
Summary: The majority of the panel went for the solid bar pointalong with advancing the back checker. Certainly very reasonable, butit does diversify White's hitting numbers. It is not clear to me thatthe long term benefits outweigh the immediate disasters.
Play Votes Score24/21, 11/7 8 10015/11, 7/4 4 8024/21, 15/11 0 4013/10, 11/7 0 4011/7, 6/3 0 407/3, 6/3 0 40
Problem 7
| 169 142 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 24/23, 11/7.
A pretty lousy roll. Blue would like to retain as much flexibility as possible after this move. If the cube weren't turned, trying to seal up the 5-point may be worth the move to 6/5. Trying to get the back man moving up to the 20-point just seems to be asking to worry about moving that blot while trying to gain more home board points for Blue. 24/23 11/7 gets more ammo for the Blue home board while risking the hit on the 2-point. Seems to be a good trade off.
Alan Alsop: 24/23, 11/7.
White has somehow got three men stuck on the 2 pt, not normally recommended. Allowing Blue a little more leeway in his forward play. White has little ammunition bearing down into his home board. I would like to move up my back man to cover his 8 pt in case he breaks a man off this pt. It has little constructive use elsewhere as slotting is not right with one man back. Blue has a good lead and I would not want to waste it by being hit unnecessary. Bringing the other man to the bar pt maximising distribution would complete my move.
Chuck Bower: 24/20, 8/7.
White sorely wants to take at least one checker off the 23-point,and that means 1's, 2's, and 3's are spoken for. This makes 24/20 a kind of duplication. Staying on the 11-point gives White only 6-3 to hit compared to 5-3 and 6-2 if Blue moves up 11/10.
George Klitsas: 24/23, 11/7.
After the obvious 11/7, which creates a usually underestimated but in fact a more-than-one-thinks powerful formation, 6/5 looks to me like an overplay (risking a big loss in race terms when hit by White with a three) of a position that has the potential to improve in a natural way. For that reason, I vote for 24/23 11/7.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/23, 11/7.
Nice lead in the race and great potential with White stuck on the 2 point.'My absolute priority here is not to get hit by a fly shot or put a checker under the gun giving White a chance to take back control of the game.Wait with the risky moves until you have some real gain from them.Play it safe here and wait for White to try for an advanced anchor or escape or for your rolls to naturally build the points.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 24/20, 6/5.
I think the best move in this situation is to work both sides of theboard with making the 24/20, 6/5 play.
It is good to move Blue�s back man from 24 to 20 since this moves Blueforward in preparation to escape, since Blue is ahead in the race.
I think we have to slot the 5 point (from 6 to 5) in order to unstackthe candlestick on the 6 point, with hopes of covering this blot nextroll and to make a four-point prime. Blue has a blot back on the 11point, which is 6 points away from the 5 point. There are also extramen on the 6 point (1 away), an extra builder on the 8 point (3 away)and an extra builder on the 13 point (8 away) to cover next roll.Please note that if Blue is able to successfully escape his back manthen he will need this prime to assist him with bringing his men safelyinto his home board, and with making it more difficult for White�s backmen to escape as well.
Snowie: 24/23, 11/7.
Three checkers on each point and no blots feels so good. The back checkerdoesn't have to escape now. The focus is on hemming in that mess onmy two point before White gets a chance to develop.
Marty Storer: 24/23, 11/7.
Blue should concentrate on forward improvement andavoid plays with 24/20. With more checkers back,an anchor, and a better inner board, White iseager to attack, so Blue shouldn't put Junior ona point White would love to make. Blue can play11/7 24/23 safely, or 11/7 6/5, trying for a quickprime. Classical theory says to play 11/7 24/23,keeping the option open to make the 5 point naturally,and not jeopardizing the big racing lead and one-back-to-three edge. I'll agree with that, regretfullyeschewing the classical beauty of 6/5.
Bob Stringer: 24/23, 11/7.
I'm ahead in the race and White's 3 men piled on the 2 point lookpretty sick, but he has the stronger board and an anchor, whichsuggest some caution. I don't see any reason for 24/20, whichsuddenly gives White something to do. Stay back until I can jumpinto the outfield. 6/5, however, is very tempting, for if hemisses I'm then a big favorite to make the 4 prime. Whether it'sworth risking the hit and the loss of the racing lead depends uponwhat else is available. 11/7, 8/7 is way too passive andinflexible. Same for 13/8. So that leaves slotting (11/7, 6/5, not24/20, 6/5, which gives White too much too shoot at) versus 24/23,11/7. I opt for the latter. Since there's a comfortable,reasonable alternative, I'm less inclined to take a risk byslotting. 24/23 isn't bad either, since White's 8 point isstripped.
Casper van der Tak: 24/23, 11/7.
Three checkers back against one - play safe. No need for 24/20 8/7; Blue can concentrate on offense, and leap the back checker later. Hence 11/7. After that 24/23 stands out as the only play that preserves the active builders.
Kit Woolsey: 24/23, 11/7.
There is no reason to rush things. My back checker is not in trouble.Moving to the 20 point just asks to be attacked. I will try to buildan inner board point with my builders and put pressure on White's backcheckers.
Chris Yep: 24/23, 11/7.
The timing is roughly even (Blue has a big race lead, but White has 2 extra back men). It looks like a close call to whether or not Blue should move up (24/20). I have a slight preference for staying back. There will probably be time to escape later so Blue will most likely want to work on his offense next turn. If Blue plays 24/20, White will usually hit loose, diminishing Blue's opportunities to improve his offensive structure next turn. Instead I like staying back and developing with 11/7 24/23. 11/7 6/5 is also possible, but the quiet play looks better since Blue still has a good chance of making the 5 point naturally on a future turn.
Summary: The panel properly concluded that there was no rush toadvance the back checker. If Blue can extend the blockade againstWhite's back checkers, the back checker will take care of itself. Rightnow Blue does not want to be on the bar while working on his offense.
Play Votes Score24/23, 11/7 10 10024/20, 8/7 1 6024/20, 6/5 1 6024/20, 11/10 0 4013/8 0 4011/7, 8/7 0 4011/7, 6/5 0 40
Problem 8
| 151 148 | White money game Blue |
Allen Adams: 13/10, 13/8.
Do you play conservative or daring? I'll play conservative. Sealing up the 3-point asks to be hit on the 8-point. Running a man from the 21-point also asks to be piled on in White's home board. Hitting with 13/10 6/1* puts White off balance, but is the blot on the 1-point worth worrying about? I'll be conservative with 13/8 13/10.
Alan Alsop: 13/10, 13/8.
The split back men are well placed for White to threaten Blues advances. White is hoping to make another pt in his prime so running is not an option yet. I don't like making the 3pt at the expense of exposing the 8 pt. Hitting on th1 pt is wasteful. Limited choice however, so bringing down two men for potential builders is best of the lot with only 6/2, 5/4, 5/3 hitting on the 10 pt not many.
Chuck Bower: 13/10, 13/8.
Blue is stacked pretty high so spreading things out look like theprimary order. 21/13 does nothing to alleviate Blue's weaknessand gives White an easy target. I definitely don't like thatplay. Taking two off the midpoint leaves only six shots compared to a lot more with the other unstacking plays. This looks like the best action for a relatively poor roll.
George Klitsas: 21/13.
A little ahead in the race, Blue might as well play thematically (21/13). The other serious consideration, 13/8 13/10, is close and could easily be best, but I will stick to the more sophisticated, expert-looking play of 21/13.
Laila Leonhardt: 13/10, 13/8.
The 21-point anchor is the solid insurance to stay in the game. Hang on to that one until you have White contained properly or until the race demands you to leave.Your objective is to get your prime stronger and preferably before White creates an anchor or escapes.Your 8-point is stripped, so in current position you really only have 1 builder (on the 6 point) so bringing down 2 builders from the midpoint is essential for future prime building.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 13/10, 13/8.
I would move two builders into Blue�s outer board from the midpoint with13/10, 13/8.
This move only leaves six indirect shots 4/5, 6/3 and 3/5 for White tohit Blue�s blot on the 10 point, and Blue has the stronger inner boardin case he (Blue) gets hit.
Blue needs builders to make landing places for him to keep moving hismen forward safely, since he is slightly ahead in the race. Blue shouldend up making some sort of prime hopefully within the next couple ofrolls. This should also make life more difficult for White in the nextfew rolls since Blue kept his anchor and is trying to form some sort ofa prime.
Snowie: 13/10, 6/1*.
Don't break an advanced anchor before you have to. My play brings twoimportant builders into position for later improvement. I leave a fewindirect shots, but if White hits one of them I'm not in any great danger.Otherwise I will be ready to improve my position next turn.
Marty Storer: 8/3, 6/3.
The duplication of good 6's, along with thedeceptivelyweak building chances given by 13/8 13/10, make meprefer the 3 point. Blue loves it if White misses,and plenty of contact remains if White hits. I thinkthe strong board creates enough tactical threats tojustify leaving a direct shot instead of an indirect;unstacking 6/3 is another attractive aspect of makingthe 3 point.
Bob Stringer: 13/10, 6/1*.
Breaking the anchor is a big no-no, since White has a whole messof men in the vicinity, waiting to attack. The combination of theanchor on White's 4 point and his empty 5 point could eventuallymake life uncomfortable for him. I don't care for 8/3, 6/3 ongeneral principle - I don't like leaving direct shots just to makean inner board point, unless there's really nothing else. 13/8,6/3 looks terrible - just asking to be hit, without the benefit ofmaking a point. 13/10, 13/8 is reasonable, and the only questionis whether I want to play it as a prelude the attack or whether Iwant to attack now, with 13/10, 6/1*. If White were facing thepossibility of a really awkward roll, I'd be more inclined towait, but that isn't the case here. In fact, a pretty fairmajority of his rolls improve his position. Therefore, since Ihave an anchor and the better board against split back men, now isthe time to attack.
Casper van der Tak: 13/10, 13/8.
No need to leave many shots with 8/3 6/3, trading a good point for a slightly better. A case can be made for the loose hit, to prevent White from using its builders. But if Blue is hit back, he loses too much ground in what was a close race. Hence 13/8 13/10. Relatively safe, constructive, puts a spare on the 8. 13/10 13/8 strips the midpoint, but that does not seem too important here.
Kit Woolsey: 21/13.
This seems to be a convenient time to break off the anchor. I can run tosafety, and the remaining back checker isn't in too much danger. In addition,other plays expose me to a costly hit. I have the stronger board and I'ma little ahead in the race, so why not race?
Chris Yep: 13/10, 13/8.
Since the race is close and there are still constructive plays to be made on the other side of the board, it looks best to keep the anchor. Among the other plays I prefer 13/10 13/8. Although it strips the midpoint, it minimizes shots and brings down two more builders to good locations. If White misses, Blue is in a position to make either the 5 or 7 points, significantly improving his prime.
Summary: The thematic building play won out over running, hitting loose,or making the three point. Could certainly be right, but that's a lot ofindirect shots which White would love to hit.
Play Votes Score13/10, 13/8 7 10021/13 2 7013/10, 6/1* 2 708/3, 6/3 1 6013/8, 6/3 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 13/8 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 13/8Allen Adams 13/7 21/15(2) 24/20, 12/9 20/9 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 13/8Chuck Bower 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 12/8, 9/6 13/2* 8/2*, 6/1* 15/11, 7/4 24/20, 8/7 13/10, 13/8George Klitsas 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 13/8 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 21/13Laila Leonhardt 24/20, 13/11 21/15(2) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 13/8 14/8, 6/1* 15/11, 7/4 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 13/8Mary Lee Pinkney 24/20, 13/11 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 13/8 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/20, 6/5 13/10, 13/8Snowie 13/7 21/15(2) 24/20, 12/9 24/13 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 6/1*Marty Storer 13/7 21/15(2) 24/20, 12/9 24/13 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 8/3, 6/3Bob Stringer 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(5) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 10/5 20/14, 13/8 15/11, 7/4 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 6/1*Casper van der Tak 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 24/20, 12/9 14/8, 13/8 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 13/8Kit Woolsey 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 12/8, 9/6 24/13 14/8, 6/1* 15/11, 7/4 24/23, 11/7 21/13Chris Yep 13/7 21/18(2), 8/5(2) 24/20, 12/9 24/13 8/2*, 6/1* 24/21, 11/7 24/23, 11/7 13/10, 13/8
