184
money game
Blue
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Problem 1
| 155 184 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/20, 22/16.
I would like to bring down extra men but the forward game is not very effective for Blue with this roll. The more effective way is to get the back men moving and start controlling the outfield. White still has to shift three back men himself.
Chuck Bower: 22/16, 13/9.
The key question here is: "where is this game headed?" WithBlue needing a 6-6 to square the race even after this above average roll, I think he needs to remain entrenched.16(2) was tempting before that realization. PrimingWhite's anchor is still a possibility. Blue has spares on the 13-point so unstackingthat looks flexible. 13/9 is only a single shot, and mostof White's hits relinquish the anchor. Surviving a questionableattack, Blue will have many chances to either cover there ormake the bar-point next turn. 22/16 gets a backchecker started out to a more valuable location, and againis reasonably safe, especially with White's homeboard blot.
Doug Doub: 24/20, 22/16.
It looks like either this or 24-14. I don't mind givingup the chance to hit White's blot on the 2pt. The major battle here is inthe outfield, so it is important to concentrate our efforts there. Stayingback on White's 3pt offers some harrassment value, but it has to be good tohave a spare on our anchor for a roll or two, and this play gives us a verygood four and respectable 5's to play also.
Oystein Johansen: 22/16, 13/9.
I see three good moves: 24/14, 22/16 13/9 and 24/20 22/16. Playing 24/14runs when I'm behind in the race, so I'll rank that third. The best move must then contain 22/16 with the six. (It even duplicates the four to hit and four to cover on the deuce point, and I really want to make the 16 point if I'm able to). And the best four? I'm not afraid to play 13/9 since White must leave the anchor to hit me and it keeps the pressure on the deuce point blot. Playing 24/20 looks clean, and I can make the 16-point without breaking the anchor, but I still like 13/9 better.
Neil Kazaross: 24/20, 22/16.
For me, the two most attractive choices are 22/16, 13/9 and 22/16,24/20 which looks better than 24/14 to me. I'd play 22/16, 13/9 vs a weak player to keep things complicated, but I think 22/16, 24/20 is technically slightly better. This play nicely concentrates on the outfield where we have far more checkers than White and it leaves no real liabilities. There's some minor chances that White manages to roll a big double and put us into bad holding game, but that's a real long shot. 22/16, 24/20 gets my vote.
George Klitsas: 22/16, 13/9.
Blue is behind in the race and must keep maximum contact, taking risks at the same time in order to improve his position. The move that fulfills these requirements is the unusual 22/16 13/9! If hit with a 5, it's not the end of the world [and something not without certain risks for White], but, if Blue eventually makes his 9 point (or, bar point), that would be a great positional improvement.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/14.
White is anchored in Blue's home. Aim to contain White in the home board by making an outside prime.The 14 point checker will function as a builder and unlikely to be hit because it would mean White would either have to give up his midpoint with 3 checkers still back, or to leave the safety of the 4 point anchor.
Achim Mueller: 24/20, 22/16.
Though Blue is far behind in the race and 13/7 with the six looks verytempting, Blue doesn't need to exacerbate the situation. 24/20 keeps aspare checker on the golden anchor, and 22/16 controls the outfield.White doesn't like to hit this checker from his stripped midpoint.
Snowie: 24/20, 22/16.
Outfield control is the name of the game. It is my strong suit in thisposition, and I want to build on that strength by flooding the outfield withas many checkers as possible before White has a chance to reorganize orstart escaping his back men. The race deficit doesn't matter. This isn'ta racing play -- it is a containment and control play.
Marty Storer: 22/16, 13/9.
Blue has both 5 points and a stronger board. He's far behind inthe race and isn't worried about losing pips. He can afford to puthis checkers where he wants them. He should stay on the 24 pointto harass White's blot. 22/16 mobilizes; 13/9 slots the valuable9 point and builds for the bar and even the 3 point. White won'tbreak anchor to hit except with a hit-cover.
Bob Stringer: 24/20, 22/16.
Behind in the race, don't race, but this isn't a racing play. Ihave the excellent 5 point anchor and I'll keep it until I hitsomeone. Keeping a checker back on the 24 point has someattraction, since I *am* behind in the race, but I don't see agood play for the 6 (or the 4, for that matter). 13/3 isn'tproductive, because it starts a point behind White's anchor.22/16, 13/9 isn't bad (it triplicates 4's), and I wouldn't objectif my partners in a chouette wanted to play it, but I like themore compact play.
Kit Woolsey: 22/16, 13/9.
I like the idea of hanging back on the 24 point to maintain the threatof hitting the blot on White's two point. My play puts my checkers wherethey belong and forces White to break valuable points in order to hit.In addition, I threaten to make the important blocking nine point. White'sboard is a wreck, so this seems like a good time to make an agressive play.
Chris Yep: 22/16, 13/9.
Blue has more men back and a stronger inner board. Blue's 4 midpoint checkers gives him a significant timing edge; if White can't spring his back man (on 23), White will have to make a significant concession soon. Given this, I like 22/16 13/9, keeping the checkers connected and putting pressure on all areas of the board (including White's inner board blot). Blue can next make the 9 point (if missed) or maintain outfield control. Overall, 22/16 13/9 makes it difficult for White to play safely next turn.
Summary: It was a dead heat between the everybody up and out play of24/20, 22/16 and the nice developing play of 22/16, 13/9. I must say I don'tsee the attraction for 24/20, 22/16. Isn't this a racing play? Aren't webehind in the race?
Play Votes Score24/20, 22/16 6 10022/16, 13/9 6 9024/14 1 6024/20, 13/7 0 4022/16, 20/16 0 4013/3 0 40
Problem 2
| 125 134 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/9, 13/7.
White has to be very careful not to get involved in a blot hitting contest, which he could loose against Blue. Blue therefore can contemplate a number of approaches. He could run with one man leaving White unable to hit unless he rolls a joker. But the best approach is to be very aggressive towards White's back man and seal up his escape route.
Chuck Bower: 13/7, 5/1*.
Blue's strengths are his anchor and nice homeboard. White'sweaknesses are the single vulnerable back checker and thetwo homeboard blots. The play that takes advantage of allFOUR of these is the all-out attack of 13/7, 5.1*. I smellblood!
Doug Doub: 13/7, 5/1*.
All the indicators point to an aggressive play here.White has two inner blots; we have the stronger board; we have an anchor; weare behind in the race; White has the cube; White has only one man back. Wecannot afford to play passively and give our opponent a good chance to turnthis into a simple holding game or race.
Oystein Johansen: 13/7, 5/1*.
Don't leave the anchor! This is no exception, even though White have twoblots in his home board. I once heard Paul Magriel say that it's usually good to slot the bar point to make a five prime if your opponent has only one man back. If I listen to that I play 13/7 automatically. Usually I would then play 13/9 to have fewer blots, but since there's two blots in Whites home board I will choose the more aggressive play 5/1*. (Duplicates the aces as well, but thats a minor argument). Look how this play fits all arguments from chapter 16 in the Bible. Chapter 16 rules!
Neil Kazaross: 13/7, 5/1*.
We've already doubled and looking at our board advantage with twoblots in White's board, this position screams, "ATTACK". The best attacking play is 5/1x, 13/7 which often leads to White getting completely blitzed if he doesn't roll well from the bar. This is my clear choice.
George Klitsas: 21/15, 5/1*.
With the stronger board, but slightly behind in the race, having sent the cube over, and with White having two vulnerable blots in his own inner board, Blue has every reason to attack. With this in mind, 21/15 5/1*, keeping the midpoint, looks slightly better than 13/7 5/1*.
Laila Leonhardt: 21/11.
Blue would like to get the prime made before White makes a run for it and escapes with his lone checker and additionally this is a great time for Blue to get out of dodge. With 2 blots in the home board, White will place himself in danger of getting gammoned if he hits Blue indirect, and if hit and cover, most rolls will leave a blot in the home board, so all together a great opportunity for Blue to create an additional builder for his prime at very little risk.
Achim Mueller: 13/7, 5/1*.
At first glance this position doesn't look like a blitz. But all factors will lead to 13/7 and 5/1*:
a) Blue has the better board
b) Six builders are aiming on the White checker (after the hit)
c) White won't be able to anchor
d) White is owner of the cube (Blue has to win with decisive moves)
Snowie: 13/7, 5/1*.
I can't afford to give White a chance to escape in one roll, so the loose hitis a must. Given that, I might as well go all out with the offense andslot the bar point. The blots in White's inner board make this approachvery attractive, since if I am hit I will have a good chance to sendanother checker back.
Marty Storer: 21/15, 5/1*.
Non-hitting plays seem to slow; Blue doesn't want to give Whitethe full roll to escape or to strengthen his board by coveringthe inside blots. Therefore it's time to attack; the question ishow. After 5/1*, all 6's but 8/2 are reasonable. I think Bluewants to keep the midpoint and minimize return shots. 21/15controls some outfield and threatens to link on the 15 point foran improvement in the situation of the back men. It's not verydangerous because of White's inner-board blots. If White hitsback, Blue will almost always have a very valuable direct returnshot as well as a chance to remake the 21 or to make the 15. IfWhite misses, Blue can continue the attack. White's interiorblots really bias Blue towards hitting; if Blue can trap asecond checker, that will be a massive improvement.
Bob Stringer: 13/7, 5/1*.
I have a 3-point board; he doesn't have anything. I have a goodanchor; he has two blots in his home board. I don't see howanything can come close to hitting. This position calls for goingall out, and so it's 13/7 over 21/15, because it brings the mostammo to bear.
Kit Woolsey: 13/7, 5/1*.
I have the stronger inner board and an anchor. White has two inner boardblots. White has only one man back, and that checker is threateningto escape. Everything screams for an attacking play. The loose hitthreatens to make a five-prime or carry out a blitz, and White hits backat his own risk.
Chris Yep: 13/7, 5/1*.
Blue has a strong 3-point board and 12 checkers in the attack zone (after most of the candidate moves). White has a weak board with 2 inner board blots. Blue has an advanced anchor in case things go badly. Therefore Blue must aggressively attack, with very little fear of being hit back -- 13/7 5/1*!
Summary: The panel was strongly in favor of the most powerfulattacking play. It sure looks right with White's board being sucha mess.
Play Votes Score13/7, 5/1* 9 10021/15, 5/1* 2 7021/11 1 6013/9, 13/7 1 6021/15, 13/9 0 408/2, 6/2 0 40
Problem 3
| 149 156 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/16.
Do I want to attack the bar pt or not. Probable not. The race is even so I will bring my back man out all the way but still in contact and carry the fight from there.
Chuck Bower: 13/5.
In contrast to the answer in problem 1, here when questioned:"where is this game going?" my answer is "I don't know." Applying Robertie parlance, this position calls for a non-commital play. 13/5 adds a builder/attacker and puts theball back on White's side of the court to await furtherdevelopments.
Doug Doub: 24/16.
13-5 is a possibility, but 22-16 looks more useful, as itgives us better outfield coverage, and the extra spare on the midpoint islikely to be of value to us.
After 22-16, we have three plausible twos to choose from. Continuing with16-14 minimizes shots, and covers our outfield best, and 13-11 offers thebest chances of making a new point next turn. However, 24-22 connects theback men and gives us a direct 6 to make the 16pt or as a return shot ifhit. That looks to be the most valuable use of the deuce here.
Oystein Johansen: 24/16.
Against a beginner I would play 13/7 13/11. Try to start a primingbattle or play a backgame it is fails, two game strategies a beginner will misplay anyway. Against a good player I would run 24/16. Can't be much wrong. The back checkers communicate, and I can make the 16 point if I'm lucky.
Neil Kazaross: 24/22, 13/7.
Four basic plays come to mind. 1) The connecting but more attackable24/16. 2) The running 22/14. 3) The safe 13/5. 4) 24/22, 13/7 trying to do things on both sides of the board but risking 16 shots that let the last man escape with tempo. My slight preference is for 24/22, 13/7. Is anchoring really a better 2 after 13/7 than 7/5 ? I think so, since the anchor pays off when White would have thrown a joker in the next couple of rolls and, if White misses the 6 shot, most rolls play quite constructively next roll. 24/22, 13/7 gets my nod here, but it won't shock me if 24/16 is slightly better, inspite of the jokers it leaves.
George Klitsas: 22/14.
The race is about even and for that reason, 13/7 is not thematic in this position. 22/14, leaving the minimum number of shots, looks like the best move among the other alternatives.
Laila Leonhardt: 22/16, 13/11.
Quadrant control. A lifeline and control between each quadrant. Though White may hit and put Blue on the bar,White's home board poses no threat to Blue as of yet and there is a nice gain in the extra hitter and builder if White tries to move forward
Achim Mueller: 13/5.
I have not really an idea, what will be the best move here. I don't likerunning with one of the back checkers. This will give White theinitiative and the chance to hit Blue without any concessions. And Ialso do not see the need of anchoring on the 22-point. 13/7 is to sharp.So, relax, reinforce your position (smoothing checkers ;-) wait and see.
Snowie: 13/5.
White doesn't have much of an offense, so there is no need to panic.I simply bring a builder to an optimal place and bide my time, making itas difficult as possible for White to play safely by leaving my backcheckers split in White's inner board. The danger of being attacked orprimed is currently minimal.
Marty Storer: 22/16, 13/11.
The race is close enough that Blue probably doesn't want to makethe 22 along with the very big slot of the bar. Rather than aslow improvement with 13/5, Blue can be more ambitious. He cancontrol lots of outfield, make a promising escape attempt, andbuild for his bar and other outside points. My second choice is22/14; same idea, fewer ways to be hit, but slightly too weenie.
Bob Stringer: 13/5.
The race is close and I need to trap White's remaining backchecker. 13/5 brings down a builder to contribute to the cause. Ilike that better than jumping into the outfield, where White canhit me and bring down a builder in the process. Also, his positionisn't so threatening that I need to anchor immediately, especiallyon the doofus 3 point.
Kit Woolsey: 24/22, 13/7.
Making White's three point solidifies the defense and avoids any chanceof a major accident if White rolls a joker. Slotting the bar point hasmixed blessings. It will be great if the shot is missed, since I will thenbe in position to make the bar point or use this checker as a builder foran inner board point. I won't be happy if the shot is hit, but my positionwill still be sound. Other approaches don't have the proper balanceof offense and defense.
Chris Yep: 24/16.
As in problem 1 Blue gains from contact. 24/16 keeps his checkers connected (note that if White hits and stays on the 9 pt. Blue has good return 6s from the bar), establishes outfield presence (especially useful since White will be trying to escape his last back man), and starts the 16 point (with the potential of playing a 16-point holding game).
Summary: The panel was quite split on how to handle this slipperyroll, with all candidates getting at least one vote. I'm far from surewhat is best, but I still like digging in and making that anchor.
Play Votes Score13/5 4 10024/16 4 9024/22, 13/7 2 7022/16, 13/11 2 7022/14 1 60
Problem 4
| 152 155 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/23, 13/10.
With White's attacking potential, moving up from the back to the 5 pt at this moment is asking for big trouble. White stands a good chance of making it next throw. But I feel with this threat Blue has to split now. Unfortunately the one could be useful in dropping down from the 6 pt. Bringing the man down from the midpt to cover the 10 pt holds White back nicely.
Chuck Bower: 24/23, 13/10.
When a position calls for a split, you must respond as such.White is well positioned to either make the advanced anchor,the homeside prime, or both. Splitting counters the prime,and 13/10 blocks the anchor. Asa bonus, Blue's 10-point block can double asbuilders for the 4-point in the case White has troubleanchoring there.
Doug Doub: 24/23, 13/10.
There are several attractive choices here. 8-4* fightsfor the best point in our board, and prevents White from making a new pointon his side of the board. 10-7,8-7 makes four in a row safely, while 13-10makes four out of six, and gives us a one to play.
The ten point is not the bar point, but it is quite valuable, and lookscorrect here, since it gives us the chance to make an additionalimprovement. 24-23 should be clearly better than 6-5. Playing 6-5 would beof little value if White anchors on our 4pt, while having the back men splitis an improvement regardless (unless we get pointed on).
Oystein Johansen: 24/23, 13/10.
I like blocking with 13/10. 6/5 or 24/23? My gut feeling says 24/23. Noarguments -- just a feeling.
Neil Kazaross: 24/23, 13/10.
Again there's four reasonable choices. With White poised to make his5 point or bar with his builders, the hitting 8/4x comes to mind. However, this leaves 18 return shots and 3 double hitters and gets only 4 dances. I think this play is too big so lets look for something better at less risk. We can make our bar, but I think that doesn't do as much as 13/10.
After 13/10 the split 24/23 looks better than 6/5 since the split allows us to have numbers to do things on both sides of the board. We'd love to make an advanced anchor or hit a fly shot. 13/10, 24/23 gets my vote.
George Klitsas: 10/7, 8/7.
With so many White builders poised to make crucial points, Blue is not to be criticized if he elects to attack (8/4*). Still, I think that making the four prime is a better move (10/7 8/7). One can notice that most of the anchoring threes [for White] are duplicated on the other part of the board, making the five point.
Laila Leonhardt: 8/4*.
White is going to make a point in that prime and Blue will have to drop.This is what will happen in majority of all games from this position unless Blue steals away White roll, or at least half of it by hitting.Getting an extra checker back wont be hurting Blue any, cause if it looks too grim a drop is close at hand, but the hit is all that will keep White from spinning the cube when Blue picks up his dice.
Achim Mueller: 10/7, 8/7.
I'm torn between the aesthetic 24/23, 13/10 and making the barpoint.Splitting the back checkers and controlling the outfield looks smart.Too smart? Yes, the barpoint is the barpoint, and a 4-prime is a4-prime.
Snowie: 10/7, 8/7.
Why not? Four in a row is powerful, particularly with White having achecker on my ace point. Hitting loose isn't necessary here, andwhile splitting the back checkers is good it isn't vital yet. For now,the strongest offense has priority.
Marty Storer: 8/4*.
Risky, but so are other moves. The loose hit gains a lot on White's18 missing numbers. If Blue makes the 7 or 10 point, White improveswith every roll. If White makes his 5 or 7 point, Blue isn't afavorite to point on the 4. If White hits back, at least he probablydoesn't anchor or make a blocking point.
Bob Stringer: 8/4*.
Other plays aren't unreasonable, but White threatens to makeeither his 5 point or my 4 point. Hitting puts a stop to thatfor the time being.
Kit Woolsey: 24/23, 13/10.
The ten point is valuable here, and splitting the back checkers isobviously a plus. Making the bar point would be nice, but I wouldbe worried about getting stuck on White's ace point. The loose hittakes away half of White's roll, but it leaves several return shotsand with both back checkers on White's ace point I wouldn't be ableto take full advantage of the tempo gain if I am not hit back. As isso often the case, the play which improves on both sides of the boardis the winner.
Chris Yep: 24/23, 13/10.
All 4 candidate moves appear strong. I have a slight preference for 24/23 13/10. On the offensive side it locks up the 10 point, 6-away from White's potential 21-point anchor. Since White is poised to make an advanced anchor, Blue has an incentive to prepare for an advanced anchor himself (else White will have a significant timing advantage). 24/23 helps Blue's cause on the defensive front. It is a relatively safe split since White's attack material is not in direct range. At the same time it increases the number of rolls for Blue to make an advanced anchor or hit in the outfield next turn.
Summary: The concensus was to work on both sides of theboard with this handy little roll. That does make a lot of sense.Splitting the back checkers here could be worth a lot.
Play Votes Score24/23, 13/10 7 10010/7, 8/7 3 808/4* 3 8013/10, 6/5 0 40
Problem 5
| 154 166 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/21, 13/7.
First and foremost Blue has to get his back men moving He does not want to be overdoing this otherwise White will go all out in attack. Breaking from the 24 pt with the three will suffice. Blue's bar pt is the best six here.
Chuck Bower: 13/7, 8/5*.
All indicators point towards a bold play, meaning 8/5*.Of the three remaining 6's, 7/1* looks like a weak attemptto blitz with too few checkers in the zone and 24/18 leaveslots of blots with the the checker on the 18-point positioned for White to thrash away. 13/7 brings extraammo into position. Blue can work on an advanced anchorlater. The action is on Blue's side for now.
Doug Doub: 23/14.
Lots of reasonable choices, but I don't think that it is quite worth it to break our 8pt to hit on the 5pt, though it is close. 13-7,24-21 brings more offense to bear on our 5pt, and starts a good anchor whileduplicating 4's, and certainly is a strong consideration. I decided to gowith the simple play of running a man out. White has to give up hismidpoint to hit with a two, so the cost of getting hit is fairly small. Westill have good chances in a race, and are likely to have several possibleways to attempt to win this game, depending on what the dice give us nextturn.
Oystein Johansen: 13/7, 8/5*.
Chapter 16 says it all! More checkers back, stronger board, behind inthe race, got an anchor. All chapter 16 arguments calls for an aggressive move. 8/5* is clear. 13/7 must be the best six. It gives ammo to further attacking. The back checkers can wait, and 7/1* is too much for my taste. Chapter 16 rules again!
Neil Kazaross: 13/7, 8/5*.
This looks like a position where we want to attack with 8/5x but thatbreaks our 8 point. Is there something better ? 13/7, 24/21 could work out, but just seems too risky compared to 23/14 which takes advantage of the stripped midpoint, but still doesn't accomplish all that much since two back checkers remain. So, I slightly prefer the hitting 8/5x and after that 13/7 is clearly better than the very blotty 24/18. If hit back, I may get some more attacking chances before forced into some back or holding game.
George Klitsas: 13/7, 8/5*.
Although it breaks the 8 point, I have a preference for 13/7 8/5*. Blue has the ammunition in place in order to fight for his 5 point, even if hit back from the bar. Also, White has some awkward rolls (apart from the 4 dancing numbers, 1-6 and 1-3).
Laila Leonhardt: 24/21, 13/7.
Putting pressure on White to make the anchor or attack. If White doesn't make the anchor next role, he is going to be in a rather vulnerable position forcing him to run or hit loose to avoid Blue establishing advanced anchor or making/attacking his 5-point.
Achim Mueller: 13/7, 8/5*.
Lazy as I am: "When in doubt, hit (Kit Woolsey?)!" I only see threecandidats here: 23/14; 23/20, 13/7 and 13/7, 8/5*. Sure, Blue won't behappy if he gets hit. But will he be more happy giving White the chanceto make a good homeboard point or the golden anchor?
Snowie: 23/14.
Nothing fancy is needed here. White doesn't have many great threats, sohitting loose on the five point and breaking my eight point isn't calledfor. I can use another checker in the outfield. White may make animprovement next turn, but he can't do everything. If White fails to anchoron my five point, I will be much better placed to attack him next roll.
Marty Storer: 23/14.
This is a tough one. Blue doesn't like to let White move freely, buthe hates to break his 8 point to hit. Though Magriel's safe-vs.-boldcriteria call for a bold play, breaking the 8 point 8/5* is very risky.13/7 8/5* gains on White's 14 misses, but if White hits, or Blue failsto cover after a miss, Blue's structure is seriously damaged. The raceis still close; 23/14 duplicates many of White's numbers to hit andto make points, and White isn't eager to break his midpoint to hitanyway. Blue can probably afford a weenie play; he may have a betterattacking opportunity next time. 23/14 isn't exactly catch-up becauseBlue already has a better forward structure than White.
Bob Stringer: 13/7, 8/5*.
Have to hit. The race isn't that big of a deal, but White isthreatening either to make my 5 point or to escape with one of hischeckers. Hitting gives me a chance to make a 4 point prime, andif I'm hit the chances are that I'll make a good anchor. I'll take13/7 over 24/18 because I would rather not give him a chance tohit twice. Also, the extra checker on my bar point is a goodbuilder.
Kit Woolsey: 23/14.
Hitting on the five point is tempting, but that breaks the eight pointand leaves several return shots. I don't have much ammunition up front,so I don't like breaking points I have made -- I may not have the chanceto get them back. White isn't threatening too much, so the simplerunning play looks quite reasonable. I can always use another checker formy attack force, and maybe I'll roll something better next turn.
Chris Yep: 24/21, 13/7.
Blue has more men back and a stronger board, so contact may be beneficial. For example 24/21 24/18 fights for strong points (advanced anchors), but gives White too many strong double-hits in my opinion. Instead I like 24/21 13/7, which looks like a very balanced move, giving White problems on both sides of the board. Additionally note that many of White's 4s are duplicated.
Summary: Does Blue really have enough ammunition to justify breakingthe eight point and hitting loose? That play will work very will if Whitedoesn't hit back, but if he does Blue's position may fall apart. Manyof the panel went for this aggressive play, but I have my doubts.
Play Votes Score13/7, 8/5* 6 10023/14 4 9024/21, 13/7 3 8024/21, 24/18 0 4024/18, 8/5* 0 4023/20, 13/7 0 4013/4 0 408/5*, 7/1* 0 40
Problem 6
| 148 158 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/8, 11/7.
I prefer not to bury my men too deep with White's advanced anchor. Running is not an option leaving White two blots to hit. Blue does have his back men nicely split. The only move is to bring down another man and slot the bar pt.
Chuck Bower: 13/8, 11/7.
White has no convenient 4, the onlysafe play on the homeside is the unappetizing 11/2.Given that I'm not making that move, movingthe back checkers into further danger is also out. 13/8,11/7 puts checkers in good positions and likely leadsto several return shots if White decides to hit on thebarpoint.
Doug Doub: 13/8, 11/7.
We could play safe with 11-2, but it is unattractive tothrow a man so deep and behind our opponent's anchor. 23-14 leaves manyshots for only moderate gain when not hit. Since our opponent has anadvanced anchor, trying for one ourselves with 23-18, 11-7 is the normalapproach, but White's formation is awkward, and we should avoid giving him agood way to start the bar point conveniently.
13-8,11-7 gives White a direct shot at our blot, but he will not be terriblyanxious to give up his anchor just yet. Adding a spare to the 8pt is asignificant improvement, and should be worth the cost of the shot we leave.
Oystein Johansen: 13/8, 11/7.
Yuck! I must save the blot on 11. And then I must do somethingconstructive to avoid facing a cube in the next rolls. The first thing that comes to my mind is 13/8 11/7, but it doesn't totally save the blot, it only makes it a bit more awkward for White to hit it. The alternative must be 11/2 but that's to passive I believe. 13/8 11/7 must be the move, but I'm very uncertain about this.
Neil Kazaross: 13/8, 11/7.
This 54 isn't great but we have to play it. Running leaves a doubleshot and two blots in the outfield and is regected. So, the choice is between 11/2 or the more constructive 13/8, 11/7 which leaves more balance and places the checkers in better spots and seems worth the risk. 13/8, 11/7 is my play.
George Klitsas: 23/18, 11/7.
Blue must try to make White's bar point (23/18) with a more or less equal game. After that, the four plays itself (11/7). Therefore, my play is 23/18 11/7.
Laila Leonhardt: 23/18, 11/7.
Very nice anchor and want to bet he wont leave it to hit?The 7-point may just be as good as made unless White can get a safe double hit.Slotting the bar point puts the optimal pressure on White. If Blue makes it, he is back in the game in full force.Owning the cube does give Blue the freedom to play bold and rattle White's chain. Facing a 4 cube is never a nice feeling and when White rolls that deuce you might see just how strong owning that cube can be when White has to decide how to play it.
Achim Mueller: 13/8, 11/7.
If Blue wants to save his checker on the 11-point, he has to bury itdeep into his on homeboard. Let's be optimistic and assume that Whitefails to hit. "Put your checkers where you get the most benifit, whenthey don't get hit (Another Kit Woolsey?)!" And this is Blues barpoint.
Snowie: 13/8, 11/7.
I put my checkers where they belong. It will cost White his anchor tohit me, and he isn't too anxious to lose that anchor right now. If Whitedoesn't hit, I will be well-placed to improve my structure. Movingthe checker on the 23 point doesn't accomplish anything, and 11/2 takesme too deep.
Marty Storer: 13/8, 11/7.
Blue doesn't want to dump a checker behind White's anchor. The 11-pointblot stops Blue from running or coming out to the 18; that's just toodangerous. 13/8 11/7 stays flexible. Blue doesn't want to be hit, buthe doesn't need a blot in his board in upcoming tactical exchanges.The lesser evil seems to be to leave the direct shot. Though Whitewill hit if he can, hitting is a mixed blessing because the anchorhas to be given up.
Bob Stringer: 13/8, 11/7.
This sort of a position seems to come up a lot - where the enemy'smade my 5 point, I have a blot on my 11 point and the rest of theposition is undeveloped. It seems that *every time* I leave theblot on the 11 point in this kind of position, White hits me andticks me off, and so I'm buttoning up. An extra checker on the 8point can't be bad, and my bar point is a dangerous place forWhite to hit. It would be nice to keep option of making my 11point, but White's chance of hitting that blot are better than mychance of making the point.
Kit Woolsey: 11/2.
I don't see the need to leave any shots here. Having a third checkersent back could be very bad. I can use any inner board point I can make,so 11/2 does not bury the checker. The gains from slotting the bar pointaren't so great, since even if I make it White will have no difficultyescaping.
Chris Yep: 13/8, 11/7.
Blue's back men are fine where they are. They're split, giving Blue reasonable opportunities to make an advanced anchor or hit in the outfield. Splitting out to the 18 point does not seem particularly necessary. White currently has an awkward structure for a priming game. In fact if Blue plays 23/18 it allows White to hit with a 6 which otherwise would likely be awkward. I believe Blue should work completely on his offense. 13/8 11/7 adds a spare to the 8 point and slots the bar point (if White chooses to hit with a 2-x, Blue will usually get plenty of return shots from the bar).
Summary: The mandate of the panel was clearly in favor of slottingthe bar point. This does leave a smooth position, but is it reallywork the risk of being hit? After all, making the bar point isn't goingto hem White in. I can see the arguments for this approach, but I'mstill not convinced.
Play Votes Score13/8, 11/7 10 10023/18, 11/7 2 7011/2 1 6023/14 0 4013/4 0 4013/9, 11/6 0 40
Problem 7
| 168 156 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/10, 11/10.
Blue could safety the man on the 17 pt if necessary. He could also move up his back man. Hitting is an option to be considered as well. None of these seem to cause much interest to me. I prefer to make the point on the 10 pt. far more containing.
Chuck Bower: 17/13.
What is that checker doing on the 17-point? As best I cansee it is mainly a target for White to unstack to a pointhe would very much like to own. Getting off of that spotis a top priority, and stopping anywhere short of themidpoint makes little sense to me.
Doug Doub: 13/10, 11/10.
This one looks pretty clear. We have a racing leadand fewer men back, so attacking is the wrong approach here, since we have avery constructive alternative. Making the 10pt leaves a few extra shots,but it is surely better than stacking a fifth man on our midpoint with17-13.
Oystein Johansen: 13/10, 11/10.
Problem 4 once again? Now I definitely block with 13/10 11/10. Chapter16 arguments makes me reject 8/4* immediately. Any other move than 13/10 11/10 won't help me in the race as much even though 17/13 is less shots, I believe this move will make a mess to clean up later. Just make the 10-point and hope the blot on 17 won't be hit.
Neil Kazaross: 13/10, 11/10.
Once again 8/4x looks too loose and strips the 8 point so we look atthe passive 17/13 which stacks up and still leaves 8 shots. Is making the 10 point better ? It's only 15 shots, and it's far more constructive than 17/13 when missed. I play 13/10, 11/10.
George Klitsas: 13/10, 11/10.
If Blue plays 17/13, he is leaving 8 indirect shots at his blot on the 14 point. I think it is much better to leave 7 more shots and make the crucial 10 point. I vote for 13/10 11/10.
Laila Leonhardt: 17/13.
3 checkers back. Short on builders and no outside priming potential. White is in a poor shape if he doesn't perform real soon, so Blue should just lean back and let White try to get himself out of this mess and have the cube ready for launch.
Achim Mueller: 13/10, 11/10.
The most difficult position for me. Hit? Save play? Smooth play? Ireally don't know. Ok, the hit with 8/4* will be eliminated. Blue hasnot that much ammunition to blitz or to cover the blot on his 4-point(if White doesn't hit back). Save play with 17/13? Looks unflexible (5checkers on the 13-point) and somehow cowardly. 13/10, 11/10? Leaves ablot and the initiative to White. But also starts to build a 6-prime andleads builders to the important 4-point (if White doesn't anchor). Mychoice, but I wouldn't bet to much money on that.
Snowie: 13/10, 11/10.
I know for sure the 10 point is valuable. No other play makes anyclear progress on the offensive front, nor is any other play particularlysafe anyway. Since I'm going to have to leave some shots in allvariations, I might as well get something for my money.
Marty Storer: 13/10, 11/10.
The 10 point is very valuable, seemingly good enough that Blue canafford to give White 15 ways to hit on the 17 point. After 17/13White hits with 8 numbers anyway, and those hits are more valuablebecause Blue's resulting structure is weaker, and White gains 14pips instead of 8. If White misses, Blue is very happy to have therestraining 10 point whether White makes the 21 or not.
Bob Stringer: 13/10, 11/10.
I think that making the 10 point, blocking White's checkers fromthe four point, is fairly clear. I'd hit on the 4 point if I hadone less blot.
Kit Woolsey: 13/10, 11/10.
Assets are assets. The ten point is of definite value here. No otherplay is particularly convincing, so why not make something good?
Chris Yep: 13/10, 11/10.
24/23 11/8 connects the back men and leaves no shots up front. However I think it's too passive; it gives White good 3s and 5s as well as a few blitzing numbers. 17/13 is good, but still leaves 8 shots (6-4 plus any 7) and strands the back man. 17/16 11/8 is similar to 24/23 11/8, but worse since it doesn't connect the back men. 8/4* is too aggressive; it strips the 8 point and gives White 24 shots from the bar (4s, 1-1, 1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 1-5, 2-5, and 3-5); this is too many shots when we consider that White has an anchor (albeit the 24-point anchor) and Blue is short on attack material anyway. This leaves 13/10 11/10. It gives White 15 shots, but makes the key 10 point, 6-away from White's potential advanced anchor. Compared to the "automatic" 17/13 for example, it makes a strong offensive point at the cost of giving White 7 more shots. I believe it's worth it, so choose 13/10 11/10.
Summary: Assets are everything. The panel made this very clearwith its strong vote for making the ten point.
Play Votes Score13/10, 11/10 11 10017/13 2 7024/23, 11/8 0 4017/16, 11/8 0 408/4* 0 40
Problem 8
| 161 153 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/21, 13/10(3).
It is not clear which is the best move to make. It is not a smooth double to play, however. I am not to happy pushing forward my prime up on White, exposing the back. I would prefer to try and extend the prime if possible. Running from the back is not achieving a great deal. Moving down from the midpt early on has drawbacks but I think it will have to be in the circumstances. White has little threat at present so I will prepare my escape now by bringing up a man now.
Chuck Bower: 24/21, 8/5(3).
This problem leaves me the most uncomfortable. 3-3 isusually a great roll but here Blue can make no new points -- the best he can do is trade. I don't like the runningplay, which gives White easy targets with minimal threatof retaliation. The main choice is between trading the13-point for the 10-point or the 8-point for the 5-point.(Making both the 4- and 5-points looks way too front-loaded.)The 8-point does a better job of blocking White's anchorthan the 5-point, but the 5-point is better if White getssent to the bar. The plan after 13/10(2) is to buildthe 5- and 4-points with the checkers on the 6-point,plus spares on the 7-, 8-, and/or 10-points. The 10-pointis an OK blocking point right now but it can be tradedup later if the opportunity presents itself. I think thefinal two 3's are 13/10 and 24/21. I don't expect givingup the midpointto be a popular choice, but I have a reputation to uphold.
Doug Doub: 24/21, 13/10(3).
It is no bargain to give up the midpoint, butshifting from the 8pt to the 5pt looks too awkward to me. The 8pt is notnearly as good as the 5pt, but it is still a valuable point. If we make the5pt, then we would have four spares on our 6pt and 5pt who would have veryfew decent places to go. I would rather hope to make the 5pt (or 4pt) usingone of those men on the 6pt.
After moving down from the midpoint, 24-21, aiming to make an anchor orescape is a greater improvement than 10-7.
Oystein Johansen: 24/21, 8/5(3).
I find this problem really hard. I think the best move contends either8/5(3) or 13/10(3) and 24/21 for the last 3. I guess I rather prefer 8/5(3) 24/21, since it keeps the midpoint, and I don't have that much use for the 10-point.
Neil Kazaross: 24/21, 8/5(3).
I regect any play giving up the midpoint here as it seems too soon.24/15, 13/10 looks like it leaves too many shots. So do we play 8/5(3) or make two points in our board ? If we make two points in our board we leave an unbalanced position with a big stack on the 6 that has no good place to go. I might try it at GG, but not here. 8/5(3) seems better and after that 24/21 is my 3, noting that we are 20 pips ahead and want to leave White's board or make an advanced anchor somewhere for a few turns.
George Klitsas: 24/21, 8/5(3).
A tough choice. Almost any alternative has merit. I am reluctant to break the midpoint and I think that making the 5 point in a position like that, can't be bad. With this in mind, I will slightly prefer 24/21 8/5(3) over 13/10 8/5(3).
Laila Leonhardt: 24/15, 13/10.
A point is a point is a point, but the 5-point is The Golden point! And Blue will have to make at some point :-)Blue should aim for a holding game, each party with their advanced anchor looking for the little edge to run for it, hit a fly shot or roll the lucky and finalizing big set of doubles
Achim Mueller: 24/21, 8/5(3).
Oh,oh ... did I say the last one was the most difficult? Live would beeasier, if doubles were not allowed in backgammon ;-). On the one hand Ilike 24/21, 13/10(3). On the other hand making the 5-point can't be thatbad: 8/5(2). And now? 24/21 is the same, a bit dangerous, but not thatmuch. The checker is still 7 pips away from Whites builder on the11-point. And the remaining 3? I don't see anything but saving the lastchecker on the 8-point.
Snowie: 24/21, 8/5(3).
There is almost sure to be plenty of contact before this game is over, andI want my five point when that contact occurs. I can't find any otherplay which is attractive anyway, so I improve my inner board and wait.
Marty Storer: 24/21, 13/10(3)
Clearing the midpoint is the most racing-oriented idea. Blue isahead in the race, so either 13/10(3) 24/21 or 13/10(2) 13/7 isconsistent with a running plan. After 13/10(3), Blue may aswell race to the max rather than add a builder for blocking.So 24/21, though exposing a checker on a point White wants,seems like the best final 3. At least it's consistent.
Bob Stringer: 24/21, 8/5(3).
I'm torn between this play and 8/5(2), 7/4(2). I'll keep the 7point for a better blockade.
Kit Woolsey: 24/21, 8/5(3).
A surprisingly awkward roll. The eight piont is a nice blocking point,but the five point is the five point. Since nothing else appears to beparticularly constructive, I prefer to switch to the strongest innerboard point in the hope that this point will come in handy for futureblot-hitting.
Chris Yep: 24/21, 8/5(3).
Blue's front position has gotten a little ahead of itself. While he would like to use his 6-point spares to build points in front of White's anchor, this will be a difficult task due to White having grabbed the 22-point anchor. Realistically, some of the spares will have to be used to make point behind White's anchor. I believe Blue should play 24/21 8/5(3). 24/21 guards the outfield and prepares to either make an advanced anchor or run with one back man on future turns. While 8/5(3) does break the 8 pt. it keeps the midpoint and makes the 5 pt. Blue definitely needs the 5 pt. in order to bring the position home safely; it may not be easy to make the 5 pt. later if Blue doesn't make it now. In addition, immediately making the 5 pt. protects Blue from White's attacks.
Summary: It looks like the five point is the five point, saysthe panel. This makes sense. With nothing else particularly attractive,how bad can making the five point be?
Play Votes Score24/21, 8/5(3) 9 10024/21, 13/10(3) 3 7024/15, 13/10 1 6013/10(2), 13/7 0 4013/10, 8/5(3) 0 408/5(2), 7/4(2) 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 24/20, 22/16 13/9, 13/7 24/16 24/23, 13/10 24/21, 13/7 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 13/10(3)Chuck Bower 22/16, 13/9 13/7, 5/1* 13/5 24/23, 13/10 13/7, 8/5* 13/8, 11/7 17/13 24/21, 8/5(3)Doug Doub 24/20, 22/16 13/7, 5/1* 24/16 24/23, 13/10 23/14 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 13/10(3)Oystein Johansen 22/16, 13/9 13/7, 5/1* 24/16 24/23, 13/10 13/7, 8/5* 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Neil Kazaross 24/20, 22/16 13/7, 5/1* 24/22, 13/7 24/23, 13/10 13/7, 8/5* 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)George Klitsas 22/16, 13/9 21/15, 5/1* 22/14 10/7, 8/7 13/7, 8/5* 23/18, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Laila Leonhardt 24/14 21/11 22/16, 13/11 8/4* 24/21, 13/7 23/18, 11/7 17/13 24/15, 13/10Achim Mueller 24/20, 22/16 13/7, 5/1* 13/5 10/7, 8/7 13/7, 8/5* 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Snowie 24/20, 22/16 13/7, 5/1* 13/5 10/7, 8/7 23/14 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Marty Storer 22/16, 13/9 21/15, 5/1* 22/16, 13/11 8/4* 23/14 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 13/10(3)Bob Stringer 24/20, 22/16 13/7, 5/1* 13/5 8/4* 13/7, 8/5* 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Kit Woolsey 22/16, 13/9 13/7, 5/1* 24/22, 13/7 24/23, 13/10 23/14 11/2 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)Chris Yep 22/16, 13/9 13/7, 5/1* 24/16 24/23, 13/10 24/21, 13/7 13/8, 11/7 13/10, 11/10 24/21, 8/5(3)
