142
money game
Blue
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Problem 1
| 182 142 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 24/16.
Making the anchor is a first instinct, but with such a large racelead (and the corresponding timing disadvantage), Blue won't bekeeping it for long. Best to get started home. Three plays aretempting and all involve 21/16. Continuing to the midpoint isone option. The simplicity and cleanliness of this play isappealing, but with White on the bar it seems one can do more.Bringing a builder down with 13/10 has value. Blue is goingto need to make the 4- and 5-points eventually, why not soon?IMO, this play tries to do too much, leaving the back checkerdisconnected and the second to last checker unprotected.My preference is 24/21. Communicating is very often correctwhen opp is on the bar, since both checkers can't be attacked(except possibly with doublets). Further, Blue gets bothcheckers started home, and keeps open the option of relinking,for example by rolling another 5 next turn.
George Klitsas: 21/13.
The simple running play 21/13 looks best. White is the one that would welcome complications, not Blue (for example, after 24/16 or 21/16 13/10 or 21/18 13/8). Making the 21 point is not the right idea, since the timing is against Blue and, barring big doubles, if he plays 24/21 13/8, he will have a hard time trying to bring home his position.
Laila Leonhardt: 21/13.
Primary goal must be to escape the back checkers and try to leap back as safely as possible again the holding game and avoid any contact that will bring additional checkers back. Spread out the checkers and use the flexibility for bringing them home, may just cause more contact, which only benefits White here. Making an anchor to just break it at first given opportunity is a pure waste of an escaping roll, since White poses no threat to Blue at this point.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 21/13.
My choice is to run safely to the midpoint with 21/13. I am ahead in the race, and Blue has no structure on his side of the board.
Snowie: 21/13.
Simple plays for simple souls. I'm well ahead in the race, so I simplymove one back checker to safety and let White worry about the near-impossibletask of containing my other back checker when he is on the bar and has noboard at all. Other plays risk needless complications as well as givingWhite some jokers.
Marty Storer: 21/13.
With his blocking structure about as good as it's going to get, Blueshould try to disengage. Therefore making the 21 point is the wrongidea. Blue is far ahead in the race and 21/13 is the most straightforwardracing move. 24/16 is OK but gives White a bit too much contact.
Bob Stringer: 21/13.
Ahead in the race, and there's nothing strikingly productive to bedone. Getting one of the back checkers out safely seems productiveenough.
Casper van der Tak: 21/13.
Blue has a substantial lead in the race, so Blue should try to bring his checkers home with minimal fuss. A play with the back checkers in indicated. 24/16 leaves a bunch of shots that may complicate matters, and 24/21 13/8 wastes time moving from the mid point. Just playing 21/13 escapes a checker safely, and leaves Blue flexible enough to handle future rolls.
Kit Woolsey: 24/16.
I'm well ahead in the race, so some kind of racing play is called for.21/13 is okay, but that leaves my back checker stranded where it may getprimed in the future. In addition, that play leaves White free todrop checkers in his outer board. I think it is more important tocover the entire board with this roll and play 24/16. Now if White doesn'troll a hitting number he will have a difficult time playing safely, andmy bem will be better placed for further improvement. If I am hit, it ishardly the end of the world.
Chris Yep: 21/13.
All the signs point to a running play. Blue doesn't really need an anchor, since White only has a 1-point board. Blue has a 48-pip race lead. Blue is running out of playable moves in the outfield (if he doesn't run). With such a large race lead, Blue should just try to convert the game into a race. I prefer 21/13, completely safetying one back man and fortifying Blue's almost-stripped midpoint. 24/16 maintains connectivity, but doesn't guarantee either checker safety next turn.
Summary: The panel was strongly in favor of the very safe runningplay. That could certainly be right, but I'm still not convinced thatBlue shouldn't be trying to take advantage of this respite and domore with the position.
Play Votes Score21/13 8 10024/16 2 7024/21, 13/8 0 4021/16, 13/10 0 4021/18, 13/8 0 40
Problem 2
| 125 121 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 13/9, 6/2*.
Normally a very good roll, but not here due to Blue's awkwardspare placement. I don't like giving White an easy escape bygiving up the 8-point. Waiting patiently with 13/7, 11/9 couldbe right, but with White 2-to-1 to add a fifth point tohis prime, I'll go with the tempo hitting play. I still havemy broken prime if this ploy doesn't work, and with luck Imay even score a G.
George Klitsas: 13/11, 8/4, 6/4.
Hitting on the 2 point is out of the question. 13/7 11/9 looks slightly better than 13/5. Comparing the two plays, after 13/5, seemingly there is a builder added on the 5 point, but this is done at the cost of an active builder on the bar (7) point, say the two plays are about even on this aspect. 13/5, compared to 13/7 11/9 is actually weaker, mainly because it leaves an indirect shot and fails to make a five point prime as 13/7 11/9 does. 13/11 8/4 6/4 is better than 8/4(2), leaving less good numbers for White and an easy encore for Blue, if White fails to roll a 6. The real choice, therefore, is between 13/7 11/9 and 13/11 8/4 6/4. I am not at all sure, but it seems to me that the position of the cube favors the bold play (13/11 8/4 6/4). If White does not roll that 6, Blue is in the driver's seat (distracting hits on the guff with 5's, work both ways). If White rolls the 6, in most cases he will lose his market by far, but not so much that he will play on for the gammon. A few sequences in which hewill be right to play on for the gammon, will be balanced by the few cases, where Blue finds a lucky return hit from the bar.
Laila Leonhardt: 13/7, 11/9.
Nice and snuck and in waiting position for if White will succeed making the bar point or not.The back checkers of the prime works as timing as well as builders for the 6 point primewhile Blue will try to escape from White's homeboard. Hitting doesn't seem to be accomplishing anything,There are no good duplications, then cube is already on White's side and being hit would be divesting for Blue given White's timing.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 13/7, 11/9.
I prefer 13/7, 11/9 over 13/5 because it's time to pick up my blots and counter prime.
Snowie: 13/7, 11/9.
No need to panic. White can't make both his bar point and his five pointat the same time, so I am guaranteed to have at least one escape valvewhich is all I need. I have a solid five-prime and builders in goodposition to either make my four point or attack White's blot. The timingfor a priming battle may be slightly against me, but as long as White hashole in his prime the timing won't matter.
Marty Storer: 13/7, 11/9.
Safe and promising. There's no need to play precipitously by makingor slotting the 4 point. Blue has the blocking advantage and the safeplay, making the 9 point, adds to it. 13/5 is better for attacking,but I think it's slightly too big. Blue's back checker isn't in muchdanger yet. However, attacking chances are helpful, so I won't be verysurprised if 13/5 turns out best.
Bob Stringer: 13/7, 11/9.
I don't see any point in vacating the 8 point, which preventsWhite's escaping with a 6. My choice is between 13/5 and 13/7,11/9. I prefer the solid 5 point prime, hoping to roll a 4 andsomething (or a 6 and something if White fails to make his barpoint) to run the last back checker. If White makes his bar pointmost of my 6's will play poorly, but that's true regardless of howI play the current roll.
Casper van der Tak: 13/7, 11/9.
Safe and sound - a strong block with some opportunities to make the 4-point, while White is well hemmed in. Other plays leave White with shots or opportunities for direct escape.
Kit Woolsey: 13/9, 6/2*.
White is threatening to make a big improvement by either making hisbar point or his five point. I don't think I can afford to give himhis full roll to improve. The loose hit will be great if Whiteflunks or rolls badly from the bar, and even if White hits back I willstill be in decent shape with my solid five-prime and White notat the edge.
Chris Yep: 13/7, 11/9.
I don't like breaking the 8 pt. since it gives White very strong 6s (hitting is much better than covering the bar point for White). Hitting loose is plausible, but it strips the 6 point and forces Blue to break-up his pretty prime (the strength of his position) in the follow-up. 13/7 11/9 looks like the natural move. It cleans up his position, establishes a 5-prime in front of the open 4 pt., and gives him good 2s, 3s, and 5s to make the 4 pt. next turn (these numbers are blocked on the other side of the board). Blue has the advantage in a prime vs. prime game (due to having the better prime) and this move plays to that strength.
Summary: The panel went for the pure play, hoping to win thepriming battle. I guess Blue's structure may be good enough thathe can afford to give White a free roll.
Play Votes Score13/7, 11/9 7 10013/9, 6/2* 2 7013/11, 8/4, 6/4 1 6013/5 0 408/4(2) 0 40
Problem 3
| 158 159 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 13/9, 11/9.
A lot of different approaches are available here. Covering theblot on the 11-point doesn't leave a comfortable 4. Making the4-point gives White easy chances to grab a race lead by hitting.Same with the conservative, defensive 24/18. I like making the9-point. It's a decent point to start with, doesn't give Whiteeasy hitting chances, and the back checkers are poised coveringboth of White's tables. Well balanced and non-committal.
George Klitsas: 18/14, 13/11.
Everything has merit here (except 24/20 13/11 [18/14 13/11 is better], and probably 11/5*, which leaves too many Blue blots and good sixes from the bar, for White). Blue has the chance to make a definite progress making an inner point (8/4 6/4), the nine point as part of a growing prime (13/9 11/9), the more-than-one-thinks long term blocking 11 point (most useful, especially if White eventually anchors on the 5 point) or the defensive anchor on White's bar point (24/18). I believe that the deference (in equity terms) between all these plays is not big, in any case. My preference goes to 18/14 13/11.
Laila Leonhardt: 13/9, 11/9.
Not being able to constructively keeping White from having a shot at making the advanced anchor, the play should focus on making a play that will work both ways. If White does make the anchor, the 9 point will be an essential priming point and if he fails, the 9 point checkers works as attackers and builders for the 5 point.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 13/9, 11/9.
I decided to pick up the blot that is the farthest ahead in the race and make the 9 point with 13/9, 11/9. This leaves builders on the 6, 8 & midpoint to continue working on a prime position.
There is no urgency to anchor with 24/18 since White doesn't have an anchor, only a one point inner board, and no prime.
Snowie: 13/9, 11/9.
The four point is a better asset, but that leaves White a direct shotat the blot on the 11 point. My play makes a good asset and cleans upmy outer board nicely. I'm not afraid to leave the checker sitting onWhite's bar point. White has no board, and if he hits I will probablyhave plenty of return shots. If he misses, I may be able to make theanchor.
Marty Storer: 24/18.
The 18 point is very good to establish in the opening. With Whiteready to anchor on the 20, moves that eschew the 18 point don'tput enough pressure on White. If White hits after Blue makes the18, at least White's slot for the 20 anchor goes away.
Bob Stringer: 13/9, 11/9.
This is not a terrific roll (better to constructively hit the bloton my 5 point), but it gives me the option of making one of threedecent points. I'm not hitting because the odds are that Whitewill hit back, when I won't have accomplished anything. If I make apoint, on the other hand, the odds are that White won't make thefive point and in the meanwhile I'll have made a point. 13/9, 11/9looks like the play, since 24/18 and making the 4 point bothleave direct shots.
Casper van der Tak: 13/9, 11/9.
Many possibilities! Let's eliminate some. 11/5* is the first to go out - that move does not make any concrete asset. Second to go: 24/20 13/11. That leaves too many convenient double hits for White. Third to go: 18/14 13/11. White hits are convenient, and Blue would almost have no returns.
Three plays remain 8/4 6/4; 13/9 11/9 and 24/18. Both the 4-point and the bar-anchor are more useful than the 9-point, but the 9-point is a concrete asset and Blue much prefers to be hit on the 18 than on the 11 - more return hits. For that reason I'd play 13/9 11/9.
Kit Woolsey: 18/14, 13/11.
The 11 point is big with White having a checker on my five point andthreatening to make the anchor. It isn't vital to make a defensiveanchor here -- that just risks losing a lot of ground in the race ifWhite hits. Advancing the back checker to the 14 point leaves fewershots and covers my outer board, so that is another improvement. Otherplays do only one good thing.
Chris Yep: 13/9, 11/9.
In the opening, making a strong point is usually better than hitting loose in one's inner board. That rules out 11/5*. Also 13/9 11/9 dominates 8/4 6/4. While the 4 point is better than the 9 pt. in this position, it's not worth leaving an extra blot in direct range to make it. Also, while the moves that make the 11 point are fine, the 11 point isn't as valuable as the 9 point in this position. Since 13/9 11/9 still leaves the back men in reasonable locations (with an advanced anchor slotted), I believe it's better than 24/20 13/11 and 18/14 13/11. Thus I've narrowed the choice down to two moves, 24/18 (best defense) and 13/9 11/9 (best offense). In general offensive moves are slightly better than defensive moves in the opening. Since both sides still have weak 1-point boards, I like 13/9 11/9, making the 9 point and leaving the advanced anchor slotted.
Summary: With many interesting possibilities, the panel was unwillingto leave any shots on the offensive side of the board. That makes a lotof sense. I think making the 9 point is quite reasonable -- I felt thechoice between that and the 11 point was very close.
Play Votes Score13/9, 11/9 7 10018/14, 13/11 2 7024/18 1 6024/20, 13/11 0 4011/5* 0 408/4, 6/4 0 40
Problem 4
| 147 142 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 13/7, 8/6.
There's too much happening on the homeside to jump off the anchor. 8/2* will be hard to clean up. 13/5 is worth consideration butI like putting the checkers where they belong with 13/7, 8/6. Both checkers are aiming at the low points while making a 5-prime becomes a possibility.
George Klitsas: 13/5.
I wouldn't move the back checker. The theater of the action is Blue's inner (and, at some extend, outer board). Actually, with the cube in the center, Blue should try to guarantee in the majority of cases, an efficient double with minimum risk. With this in mind, slotting the bar point (13/7 8/6) looks like overplaying the position [White has many shots from the bar], along with 8/6 8/2*, flexible but somewhat committal (I would probably go for the throat and make that move is I had already cubed). If I chose to hit the second blot (8/2*), I would probably play the quiet 13/11 as the second part of the move, keeping the 8 point and planning to make eventually my bar point, if everything else failed. But, under the circumstances (centered cube), I think that the even more quiet 13/5 is best of all and that is my choice.
Laila Leonhardt: 13/7, 8/6.
No cube turned and the aggressiveness and potential of this play will hold White's fingers of the cube while still on the bar.As it looks much like and all or nothing play, it does have additional rescue by Blue being able to hit back or cover the bar point.Blue must make the prime or close White out to win this game. He has much work to do getting the 2 back checkers around, and will only succeed in this if he gets White contained.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 13/5.
I would definitely move 13/5. This move places another builder to cover my blot on the ace point, secure another inner board point, or for an additional return shot if I happen to get hit next roll.
Snowie: 13/5.
White's board must be shown some respect. Any play which breaks theanchor is fraught with danger. My play leaves only one blot and bringsin an important builder. Since White's position is somewhat advancedwith the third checker on his three point, I'm not very concerned aboutthe danger of being stuck on his ace point. I just want to minimizepotential damage while giving myself ways to improve.
Marty Storer: 13/11, 8/2*.
Tough one. Since Blue probably has time to recover after being hit,and since the potential gains when White misses are very big, thedouble shot looks like an acceptable risk. Substantial but probablyacceptable! But I'm really torn between the loose hit and the simple13/5. I don't like breaking the 24 anchor yet; White has many shotsand leaving the 24 point activates White's dilly builder. I thinkBlue should try to take advantage of the momentary tactical edge.
Bob Stringer: 13/5.
I kept going back and forth on this. Running with 24/16 may beappropriate while White is on the bar, but if he hits my blot onthe ace point I could be in real trouble, what with no anchor anda blot under attack in the outfield. 13/5 strips the midpoint andleaves me with the problem of escaping two back checkers, but Ithink that the downside of 24/16 ultimately outweighs the upside.
Casper van der Tak: 13/5.
A builder for the ace, and an additional attacker. I am not sure about the alternatives; hitting on the 2 leaves 2 blots with little opportunities to cover, and seems to overplay the position, while giving up the ace anchor seems too dangerous.
Kit Woolsey: 13/11, 8/2*.
13/5 seems too passive and anything I do is going to leave someshots, so why not put a second checker on the bar? There is potentialfor big gain if White flunks, and if White hits at least he may stillhave a checker on the bar so I will have stalled him for a roll.Running to White's outer board just looks too risky right now.
Chris Yep: 13/11, 8/2*.
Blue's back men are not in too much danger of being trapped at the moment; White has lost has outfield structure, has an open 4 point, and has a dilly builder on his 3 point. I believe Blue should concentrate on a possible blitz. 13/11 8/2* puts a second checker in the air (also 13/11 is productive) at the cost of 9 extra shots from the bar (20 shots instead of 11). It looks like a worthwhile trade to me.
Summary: The panel firmly agreed that it was not right to touch the back checkersdue to the blot on the ace point and White's advanced position. That muchseems clear to me. The majority chose the quiet approach. I'm not at allsure which approach is best.
Play Votes Score13/5 5 10013/11, 8/2* 3 8013/7, 8/6 2 7024/16 0 4024/18, 13/11 0 4024/18, 8/6 0 408/6, 8/2* 0 40
Problem 5
| 146 171 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 24/18.
Blue is short on assets and here's a great chance to grab one.White's better board renders hitting (and adding a forth blot)unattractive. Making the pseudo-anchor and going from three blots to one is my preference, although if my doubles partner felt strongly for building the 4-point I would gladly cooperate.
George Klitsas: 24/18.
Again, with the cube in the center, I would probably choose a different move (like making my 4 point or hitting on the 9 point. Having cube possession, I think that first of all, I must secure the advanced anchor (24/18), giving myself many opportunities to use it efficiently in the future. After securing the advanced anchor, the probabilities are that White's extended position will produce some shots for me in the future.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/18.
Time to make sure you stay in the game. White has graciously given you the ownership of the cube and now you can lean back and make ready for the kill. You don't want to battle White for control at this point where he obviously has much more potential ofgetting you in real trouble. An advanced bar point anchor keeps you in contact with White and out of danger for a long time and you can then proceed in making your board and wait for the shot to arrive at a better time.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 8/4, 6/4.
Since White has an additional inner board point and an inflexible board position, I think it is best to make another inner board point with 8/4, 6/4, to keep the inner boards equal in strength.
I don't feel that I need to anchor this roll, or attack White's blot on the nine point because White's inner board is stronger than mine.
Snowie: 8/4, 6/4.
White has the stronger inner board and I am still behind in the raceeven if I hit, so hitting isn't attractive -- it leaves too many blots.I could just anchor on the 18 point, but that commits me to a somewhatinferior bar point holding game with no board. My position needs someteeth befor I can get anything going, and that means building up myinner board. I have rolled a good number to do so, and I should takeadvantage of it. My back men are fine where they are. If White hitsa blot, I will have several return shots.
Marty Storer: 23/21, 13/9*.
Way behind in the race, Blue should probably try to muddy theracing waters. He doesn't want to give White a free shot toclear and simplify. If Blue is hit back, the slots for the 18and 21 points are useful. The main alternative 24/18 seems toosmall. 13/9* 18/16, abandoning all slots for an advanced anchor,is also a bit small for my taste.
Bob Stringer: 23/21, 13/9*.
Must hit to reduce the gap in the race and keep the game fluid.24/18 is nice to make a good point, but I think it commits me toomuch to a defensive game. 13/9*, 9/7 never entered my mind until Isaw it on the list, and, in line with my usual approach in thesequizes, I won't select it unless I think it's definitely betterthan all else -- and I don't think that. I suppose one idea behindit is that it's safer to leave the checker on the 23 point, but Ilike my play's added coverage of White's outfield. 13/11, 13/9leaves too many blots, and 18/16, 13/9* looks too spread out.
Casper van der Tak: 8/4, 6/4.
Blue can hit in various ways, make the bar anchor, or make the 4-point. I do not like the hit - it leaves a ton of returns, and does not gain all that much in the race. And White has the stronger board. I think Blue needs some concrete assets, and would play either 24/18 or 8/4 6/4. Which of the two? I went back and forth on this. My first inclination was to make the bar anchor, but now I think that Blue can afford to play without an anchor. Making the 4-point gives some "punch" to the Blue position, so that any hits will be stronger than they are now.
Kit Woolsey: 23/21, 13/9*.
I believe I am too far behind in the race to pass up this hit, particularlysince it doesn't leave direct shots and White has only a two-point board.In addition, I get a chance to go after a better anchor in White'sboard. I leave several returns, but at least the sixes are duplicated.
Chris Yep: 8/4, 6/4.
Similar issues to consider as in problem 3. White has a stronger board, which argues for 24/18. On the other hand, Blue welcomes contact since he has more men back and White has an outfield blot to safety. Furthermore, if White hits loose on his bar point, Blue has more returns from the bar than usual since his back men are split. I believe this is enough to swing Blue's decision to a more offensive play. The hitting plays are generally fine, but too loose in my opinion. Blue has a limited number of checkers up front, so I think he does better by using them efficiently with 8/4 6/4 and awaiting developments.
Summary: A close race between three entirely different types of plays --hitting, anchoring, or pointing. Which has the #1 priority here? Far fromclear.
Play Votes Score8/4, 6/4 4 10024/18 3 9023/21, 13/9* 3 9018/16, 13/9* 0 4013/9*, 9/7 0 4013/11, 13/9* 0 40
Problem 6
| 149 138 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 24/22, 10/6.
TMP, and now looks like the time to do something abou it. Blue is a bit ahead in the race but way ahead in homeboard development. Play to your strengths. The checkers on the 10-point should be brought into action. 10/6, 10/8 gives White a nice 6. 24/22, 10/6 isn't quite as offensively minded but leaves White very few nice rolls. This looks like the play.
George Klitsas: 24/18.
I have a strong feeling for 24/18. Blue needs all of his outfield points for the moment, in order to bring his position home. Breaking the 16 point would be my second choice.
Laila Leonhardt: 16/10.
Looking a little ahead, this position is likely to turn into a holding game where white will get his back checker out on the bar point and making a stronger board lingering to get the shot. Blue will however run out of timing pretty quick, and left with leaving shots where white's board is stronger. By clearing the 16th point now, he gains flexibility and timing at a point where getting hit, wont damage blue's position.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 24/22, 10/6.
I chose 24/22, 10/6 because I have a stronger inner board compared to White, and White has a weak position on his side of the board.
All of my men are connected, and a blot-hitting contest would be to my advantage.
Snowie: 24/22, 10/6.
I have the big board, and I want to put as much pressure on White aspossible. Let him hit me if he dares. Other approaches simplyaren't as effective for carrying out my goal.
Marty Storer: 24/22, 10/6.
Should Blue keep all of his too many points and try to sneak home,24/18, perhaps whipping up some pressure on White's back checkeralong the way? I think Blue can afford to keep more contact.Immediately pressuring White's back man is a good idea becauseBlue's board is so much better. The risk of being hit on the 10point is very small, with 33 being the only nasty consequenceof 10/6.
Bob Stringer: 24/18.
I don't know that I want to give up any of my current points. I'mnot happy about giving White a double shot, but I'm willing totake the risk since my board is a lot stronger than his.
Casper van der Tak: 24/22, 10/6.
Tough problem. Blue has a nice looking position, but how to build on the advantage? One approach is to bring in builders to attack White's lone back checker. The problem with that approach is that attackers are far away. Another approach is to try to escape the back checker and race home, after all, Blue is ahead in the race.
24/18 best implements the pure racing approach. The problem with the approach is that even if Blue succeeds in escaping without being hit, White remains with a strong holding position. Blue's collection of scattered points will be difficult to clear.
My choice, 24/22 10/6 does a bit of both. It starts moving the back checker, but also brings in an attacker and clears a point that may be difficult to clear later. Duplicates 3s in the process.
Kit Woolsey: 24/22, 10/6.
I would like to attack White's back checker before it gets away, and thisis the way to do it. I'm not too worried about leaving the blot on theten point, since White would be hitting at his own risk. Other choicesallow White to hit with checkers he wants to hit with.
Chris Yep: 24/22, 10/6.
Blue has a much better board than White and has solid coverage of the outfield with all outfield points connected. At the same time Blue has a stripped position so needs to get his back man moving. Blue can play 24/18, but if White hits, Blue could roll awkwardly from the bar and be forced to break an outfield point at an awkward time when White's front position is stronger. On the other hand, if Blue plays 24/22 10/6; he creates a valuable spare on the 6 point. It leaves two blots, but White will not be eager to hit since he will often have to give Blue dangerous return shots from the bar (in addition if he hits in the outfield he'll usually have to give up his advanced anchor). Finally 24/22 10/6 connects the back man to the rest of the army (as opposed to 16/10, 10/8 10/6, and 10/4). Based on all these positives, I like 24/22 10/6.
Summary: The panel liked the idea of bringing in the attacker and forcing Whiteto break his anchor in order to hit. I think this is the right thematicapproach, but it is a tricky little position.
Play Votes Score24/22, 10/6 7 10024/18 2 7016/10 1 6010/8, 10/6 0 4010/4 0 40
Problem 7
| 134 138 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 8/3, 6/3.
Blue is outboarded which makes the loose hit a poor risk. Whiteis only 50-50 to make the 5th point in the prime, so noneed to get desperate. Of the remaining conservative plays Iprefer 11/8, 9/6, leaving the blot farther back where it's saferand better patrols the outfield. Between making the 3-point andstarting the 4-point, the former leaves fewer shots and a morepotent spread of builders, meanwhile duplicating 6-1, 6-4, and4-3 which also make White's barpoint.
It's down to two plays. I'm going with the more agressiveboard building move. The problem with the slow route is that next turn Blue will be faced with a similar problem: wantingto attack but having a worse board. Improve the homeboard now.
George Klitsas: 13/8, 9/6.
In this deceptive position (most players would think that White is much better than he actually is), Blue is exactly even in the race, and only slightly inferior in inner board strength. Possession of the cube, makes him overall almost even in equity terms. If Blue realizes this, he will see that he must not panic and hit on the guff (probably with 9/1*), neither leave too many blots strewn around, justifying White's double with a desperate equalizing move (8/3 6/3). Instead, a solid move, one that minimizes the danger of a gammon, is called for. Between the quiet moves, that reinforce the eight point and clean up a blot, the best in my opinion is 13/8 9/6 (compared to 13/8, for example, leaves only two indirect shots [64 and 46], a roll which is also duplicated, instead of four [62, 26, 53 and 35]).
Laila Leonhardt: 11/8, 6/1*.
You are running out of good vibrations here. White will be priming you, maybe pick up another checker and even get you for a gammon. If you desperately need some time, look for the hit. Putting White on the bar will achieve a few things. The bar point is unlikely to be made next roll, you may get another checker hit, but still in time for making an anchor, perhaps even on the 3 point and stay in the game with your nose at the edge of the prime and finally White may run out of luck, enabling you to blitz him or escape with your back checker turning the game around in your favor.
Mary Lee Pinkney: 13/8, 9/6.
I think it's best to put a builder on the 8 point and pick up the blot on the 9 point (13/8, 9/6), and wait to see what happens next.
I considered 9/1* to help keep White from securing his bar point next move, but decided against it since I am only down 4 pips in the race.
I also considered 8/3, 6/3 to equalize the strength of the inner boards, but didn't want to leave 4 blots to do so.
Snowie: 9/1*.
I think it is necessary to hit loose on the ace point. This preventsWhite from either escaping or making his bar point next turn with allthose builders. Not hitting sumply gives White too many goodrolls. However, it is important for me to cut down on the returnshots, since I lose a ton if I am hit back. Therefore I play9/1* rather than 113/8, 6/1* so I don't give White 5-4 and 6-3 from thebar.
Marty Storer: 8/3, 6/3.
Nothing is great. Should Blue hit loose and try to whip up anattack? Often a loose hit forestalls opposing threats, but heresuch gain of tempo isn't worth much. The problem is that evenif White misses a return, Blue remains with few rolls to improvethe position of his forlorn back checker. Meanwhile Blue'sattacking chances aren't great after a loose hit. I prefer theconcrete asset of the 3 point. Yes, after Blue makes the 3 Whitehas a substantial edge, but that's the case no matter what Blue does.
Bob Stringer: 9/1*.
Annoying not to roll one of the many possibilities that would havelet me improve the position. The hit takes away a number of hisoptions when he already has the superior board, and it allows meto not strip my midpoint and to keep the checker on the 11 pointfor maximum coverage of the outfield. If not this play, then I'dpick up a blot with 13/8, 9/6. The fact that that play results insuch a ho hum position in the face of White's possibilities forimprovement is what persuaded me to hit. 8/3, 5/3 equalizes theinner boards, but leaves too many blots in the outfield.
Casper van der Tak: 8/3, 6/3.
Blue has the worst of the priming battle, so he would like to escape his back checker but he cannot. However, Blue can start building his board, so that he has something to fight with should he need to step up after White builds the bar. In addition, making the three point leaves builders for the bar- and 4-point, so that Blue retains the option to build his prime.
Other plays either harm Blue's priming potential too much (13/8 9/6, 11/6 9/6, etc) or involve a loose hit on the ace to take away half of White's roll. The latter is more attractive than playing safe - playing safe does not have a real game plan behind it - but leaves more shots than building the three-point, harms Blue's priming potential, and is inconsistent with the relative board strengths.
A final argument for making the 3-point: some of White's hitting numbers are duplicated.
Kit Woolsey: 11/8, 6/1*.
Once again I do not dare give White his full roll to play. My playgets builders onto optimal points while putting White on the bar.Running out into a triple shot seems unecessary, and making the threepoint gives White too many good things to do on both sides of the board.
Chris Yep: 8/3, 6/3.
No move is perfectly safe in this position. 8/3 6/3 makes the 3 point and unstacks the 6 point (at the cost of the 8 point, however Blue is a favorite to remake it). While it leaves a few more shots than some of the other candidate moves, I think it's worth the risk. Also note that 4-3 (one of the numbers that allows White to hit with 24/17*) is duplicated (White already had a strong way to play it by making his bar point). Looking at the overall picture, Blue's position is getting a little "front-loaded" (moves like 13/5 make this situation even worse). 8/3 6/3 is a nice way to solve this problem.
Summary: The plurality choice was to make the third inner board point.Can Blue really afford to do this? It looks as though White hasnothing but good numbers if Blue doesn't hit loose.
Play Votes Score8/3, 6/3 4 10013/8, 9/6 2 8011/8, 6/1* 2 809/1* 2 8013/5 0 4013/8, 11/8 0 4011/6, 9/6 0 4011/8, 9/4 0 40
Problem 8
| 122 119 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 10/7, 10/6.
Giving up the 10-point is nearly inevitable, and doing it nownot only means not leaving a blot, but putting (and keeping)homeboard builders in the right places. White's timing advangtage is too good. The back checkers will have to wileaway their time by shooting at flyshots until the big doublesarrive.
George Klitsas: 10/7, 10/6.
I think that 10/7 10/6 is obvious and I expect it to be the unanimous choice. Blue, ahead in the race, will be able to play for awhile from the 7 and 6 points, filling in his board and waiting for a good roll. Anything else is short sighted, blocking only 55 for one roll. Especially, plays that leave [unnecessarily imo] a blot, look like blunders.
Laila Leonhardt: 6/3, 6/2.
What does White want? Obviously to get out of your homeboard safely, take control of the outfield, let you run out of timing and having to leave your anchor, hit you and hopefully gammon you. Timing is the issue here. White doesn't have much of it if he cannot make the back checkers participate. He will have to either leave you a shot or release a guy from the midpoint, so stick around and block his exit and make life a little harder for him.Mary Lee Pinkney: 10/7, 10/6.
I would play 10/7, 10/6. Since the race is close, this move brings in builders to safely improve my inner board and leaves me with numbers to safely play.
Snowie: 10/7, 10/6.
This is just a matter of looking ahead toward the future. If I don'tclear the ten point now, I may be forced to leave a shot on my next rollwhen White has a strong board. I have a fine three-point game with myback checkers not badly blocked and the race about even, so there isno need to complicate the issue. I simply sit tight and wait for mybig doubles or my joker which hits an indirect shot.
Marty Storer: 10/7, 10/6.
It looks like Blue should bite the bullet and clear his hardestpoint. Other moves would be made with the idea of restrainingWhite's back checkers for another roll or two, but White has enoughmaneuvering room that Blue's playability problems loom fairlylarge after a move like 7/3 7/4. Clearing the 10 point gains Bluesome time to play safely. With a close race, the 22 anchor isn'tthe worst position for Blue's back men. He's a clear underdog, buthe may have time to hit a winning fly shot, roll a big double, orrace at a later time.
Bob Stringer: 10/7, 10/6.
White's anchor is far better positioned than mine, and he has thebetter timing. If I could hold the 10 point I would, but it has togo soon anyway, and so I'll vacate it now while I have the roll todo so safely.
Casper van der Tak: 10/7, 10/6.
A nice technical position. Blue is ahead in the race, but has much the worse timing. Playability is his concern. White has the checkers on the midpoint to play with, so White does not come under any timing pressure. Blue wants to gain as much time as possible to roll escaping doubles or hit a fly shot. Since Blue would like to hit any fly shots next turn if he can - White is likely to play from his midpoint this turn, there is some small penalty against slotting points.
I'd play 10/6 10/7, which leaves some spares to play with while waiting for something good to happen, does not leave any blots that could reduce the value of a possible hit next turn, and clears a point that may be difficult to clear conveniently otherwise.
Kit Woolsey: 7/4, 7/3.
I don't want to give White a free shot at getting both back checkersaway, so I'm not fond of 10/7, 10/6 even though it is smooth. Holdingall blocking points with 6/3, 6/2 looks awful. My play gives megood builder distribution to make badly needed points. I won't like itif I roll a six next turn, but maybe that won't happen.
Chris Yep: 10/7, 10/6.
The race is close, White has a better anchor, and White has a better prime. Therefore Blue is not suited to a prime vs. prime game. I believe that the 10 point is more of a liability than an asset to Blue. If Blue doesn't clear it now he will soon run out of safe moves to play as he stumbles around with his remaining 11 checkers (assuming he doesn't run off his anchor). Blue can't do an effective job at blocking White anyway, so it looks best to just clear the 10 point. I like 10/7 10/6, giving Blue some playable spares and gaining some extra time to either roll a big double or hit a fly shot in the outfield.
Summary: Is it right to give up the most valuable blocking point andrisk giving White a free run of the outfield when White is running outof plays also? Perhaps it is since this will let Blue play his nextcouple of rolls comfortably, but I'm not convinced. Blue still has tofind a way to win this game.
Play Votes Score10/7, 10/6 8 1007/4, 7/3 1 606/3, 6/2 1 607/4, 6/2 0 406/2, 4/1 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Chuck Bower 24/16 13/9, 6/2* 13/9, 11/9 13/7, 8/6 24/18 24/22, 10/6 8/3, 6/3 10/7, 10/6George Klitsas 21/13 13/11, 8/4, 6/4 18/14, 13/11 13/5 24/18 24/18 13/8, 9/6 10/7, 10/6Laila Leonhardt 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/7, 8/6 24/18 16/10 11/8, 6/1* 6/3, 6/2Mary Lee Pinkney 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/5 8/4, 6/4 24/22, 10/6 13/8, 9/6 10/7, 10/6Snowie 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/5 8/4, 6/4 24/22, 10/6 9/1* 10/7, 10/6Marty Storer 21/13 13/7, 11/9 24/18 13/11, 8/2* 23/21, 13/9* 24/22, 10/6 8/3, 6/3 10/7, 10/6BoB Stringer 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/5 23/21, 13/9* 24/18 9/1* 10/7, 10/6Casper van der Dak 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/5 8/4, 6/4 24/22, 10/6 8/3, 6/3 10/7, 10/6Kit Woolsey 24/16 13/9, 6/2* 18/14, 13/11 13/11, 8/2* 23/21, 13/9* 24/22, 10/6 11/8, 6/1* 7/4, 7/3Chris Yep 21/13 13/7, 11/9 13/9, 11/9 13/11, 8/2* 8/4, 6/4 24/22, 10/6 8/3, 6/3 10/7, 10/6
