149
money game
Blue
return to indexReaders Answers
Problem 1
| 163 149 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 17/11, 13/8.
Blue's forward position is fine at the moment but lacking in builders. White has potential but is very open with blots, also with four backmen. Ahead in the race the best move is to run a back man now before White's board is filled and he still has men to aid his escape. The only logical move left is bringing a man down from the midpt. This will also help in diversifying his men.
Chuck Bower: 13/8, 13/7.
White is well entrenched in Blue's homeboard and Blue isgoing to need all his checkers working. That rules outthe plays which put a checker behind White's anchors.Of the remaining two plays, 13/7, 13/8 makes it difficultfor White to hit comfortably. After that move, White'shits leave a lot of shots and give up a useful holding point.If Blue vacates the 17-point, White can hit and coverin many cases with little downside.
Doug Doub: 13/8, 13/7.
I think that it is better to break a back point andcreate some spares, rather than play safe with either 13-2 or 13-7,6-1. White's board is going to get stronger over the next few rolls, and Blue is likely to have to break something next turn. Also, Blue is going to need spares to make the 4pt, and I am very averse to throwing men past that point.
If we are missed, then breaking the 17pt would give us an easier followup, but breaking that point also gives White more hit and cover numbers, and White would also be able to retain the midpoint on some of those hits. Breaking the midpoint gives us a good chance of having comfortable plays for the next few turns, and looks like the best approach.
Ian Dunstan: 13/8, 13/7.
Blue's position is already fairly stripped and awkward. Therefore,potentially worsening this situation by playing totally safe with 13/2 or13/7 6/1 looks like the wrong idea to me. Conversely, clearing the hardestpoint now with 17/11 13/8 looks too dangerous; too many hit-and-cover rollsand possibly not very many return shots. On the other hand, 13/8 13/7 is anice compromise giving Blue a comfortable position to play from if Whitemisses. White's hits are usually at the expense of the midpoint and willoften leave quite a few return shots as well.
Neil Kazaross: 13/8, 13/7.
I'll play 13/8,13/7 here to keep all my checkers in front of Whiteand to hope to make my 4 point. My midpoint blot is in little danger with White's board blotted and hiw midpoint stripped. I don't think it is time to break for home with 13/8,17/11 as we aren't close to winning if we get away with it.
George Klitsas: 13/8, 13/7.
Clear in my opinion. Blue avoids dumping checkers, exploiting the fact that his blot on the midpoint is practically immune for the next roll. The race is close and White can have timing problems as well.
Snowie: 17/11, 13/8.
When ahead in the race, race. Even if White succeeds in hitting and covering,he still will have a lot of work to do to contain my back checker since hehas so many men back himself. If he doesn't hit, I'm in great shape. I'm runningout of time, and if I don't make my move now I may be forced to do so laterwhen White has built up a stronger board.
Marty Storer: 13/8, 13/7.
Burying a checker is unattractive. Breaking the 17 toleave a double shot is too loose. It's a good time toclear the midpoint against White's blotty forwardposition. Blue can afford to do that; even White's7 hit-cover numbers leave many returns.
Bob Stringer: 13/7, 6/1.
I don't see any reason to leave either a single or double shot, sothe question is whether to dump a check on the 1 or the 2 point. Igo with the former since the extra checker on the bar point givesme better distribution.
Kit Woolsey: 13/8, 13/7.
I'm not prepared to run one back checker and leave the other back checkeropen to attack when White has the stronger board. 13/8, 13/7 leaves me witha smooth position, and it costs White the midpoint to hit. Dumping a checkeron the ace point here looks like too much of a long term cost for the shortterm safety.
Chris Yep: 13/8, 13/7.
Blue has a race lead, but a stripped position. It will be difficult to bring the position home without the 4 point. For this reason, I generally prefer moves which keep checkers in front of White's anchors. Although Blue has a timing advantage, it looks like White can still hold onto the midpoint for a few more turns; if Blue plays 13/2 he leaves himself with a mostly stripped position and potential problems on the next two turns (13/7 6/1 is equally awkward). 13/8 13/7 conveniently strengthens Blue's prime, while yielding only a single direct shot. It also keeps the defensive 17 point, which will be valuable in the event Blue is hit. Running for it now (17/11 13/8) is also possible. However, 17/11 13/8 gives White a double-direct shot plus Blue is not guaranteed to safety the remaining blot next turn. If Blue had a larger race lead (and hence more problems with timing), I believe 17/11 13/8 would be justified, but in the current situation, I prefer 13/8 13/7.
Summary: The panel was pretty solid on breaking the midpoint for thesmooth distribution. The back checkers can fend for themselves.
Play Votes Score13/8, 13/7 8 10017/11, 13/8 2 7013/7, 6/1 1 6013/2 0 40
Problem 2
| 181 141 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 18/15(2), 16/10.
Yet again Blue is well ahead in the race and White has four men back. The 16/4 move is a waste of time. If Blue moves up to the bar pt the downside is he does relinquish a degree of outer board control and squeezes up the prime. I do like the move to Blue's 10 pt as this achieves a very good builder. Bringing two men up on the 15 pt covers White's outer board and Blue's. It also threatens to make a point in Blue's outer board. White's inner board is not much danger and Blue's last man will have to cope for the moment.
Chuck Bower: 18/15(3), 16/13.
Blue has a huge pipcount lead. This looks like a goodchance to reconnect the stranded back checkers. Makingthe barpoint would be nice, and maybe that can happenlater. Right now Blue should take advantage of thisgood roll to get out of this mutual holding game wherehe has the worse timing. Volunteering a double shot isn'tideal, but better now on Blue's terms when White has noboard.
Doug Doub: 18/15(2), 16/10.
We have a huge lead in the race, so let's tryto bring everyone around together. The back anchor can go. There are likely to be problems ahead, but we can stand getting hit, with our racing lead. Making the bar point is not a big deal, since we are not trying to block White. I choose to pick up the blot on the 16pt rather than the one on the 18pt, because a spare on our 10pt is more likely to be useful than one on our 15pt.
Ian Dunstan: 16/7, 10/7.
Blue is ahead in the race so clearing White's bar with 18/15(3) 16/13 couldbe right. However, Blue's position remains disjointed and it will be hardto bring home safely against White's rear anchors. Bearing this in mind,making the bar against White's 2pt anchor looks very strong. I chose10/7(2), followed by 16/10 for the last two threes. Blue's blot on the 10ptis not as a big a liability as it might seem. White might not choose to hitfrom his advanced anchor or may be uncomfortable about doing so. If theblot is missed, Blue's follow up plays should be pretty comfortable. Also,he temporarily retains the advanced anchor in case of accidents.
Neil Kazaross: 18/15(3), 16/13.
The first problem here is to see all the possible plays. It lookslike the best candidates are a) 10/7(2) with 16/10; b) The linking 18/15(2), 16/10 ; and c) the other linking play 18/15(3), 16/13. This looks like a close choice between the 3 plays. The bar point is nice, but I don't view it as critical since we aren't likely to be making a good prime here with a man out of play on our ace point. Thus, I slightly prefer to choose among the two linking plays and it appears to me that 18/15(3), 16/13 does just a bit better job of attempting to control our outer board than does 18/15(2),16/10.
Very slight preference for 18/15(3), 16/13 for me.
George Klitsas: 18/15(3), 16/13.
Although it seems to me close, I would take the opportunity to make progress with 18/15(3) 16/13 (my second choice is the safe 16/4). Blue is far ahead in the race and can survive a hit. The safe play is safe only for one roll and, in all probability, will leave shots in the future.
Snowie: 18/15(2), 16/10.
Again a running type plan is called for. My play is better than 18/15(3),16/13, since I get a nice spare on the ten point and I force White to breakhis eight point if he hits with an ace. Leaving the blot on the midpointlets White hit with the checkers he wants to move.
Marty Storer: 16/7, 10/7.
The bar point is a clear improvement over the 10.It doesn't hurt much to keep the 18 point; Whitehas few threats and Blue has plenty of time tomove forward without risking disaster. Blue isn'tafraid of being hit on the 10 point; if Whitemisses, the 10-point blot may be used to makethe open 4 point or even covered. It looks likethe static asset of the 7 point is too good topass up.
Bob Stringer: 18/15(3), 16/13.
I don't like 16/4, since something's going to have to give on mynext roll. But beyond that I'm not really sure. I going with theroll I selected since it seems to do the most compact job oftrying to bring everyone around together. And if the blot is hit,then at least the 15 is there to help it try to escape again.
Kit Woolsey: 18/15(3), 16/13.
I'm ahead in the race, so the right game plan appears to be to bring thearmy around together before White has a chance to strengthen his position.This means everybody off the back anchor. The double shot isn't toodangerous if it is hit, and if White misses I can continue to consolidate.
Chris Yep: 16/4.
As in problem 1, Blue would like to disengage contact if he can do so conveniently. However, it is not so convenient. Besides 16/4, all other candidate moves involve leaving a double-direct shot. White will gladly hit any blots, both because his defense is secure and because Blue currently has an acepoint blot. Since 16/4 leaves no shots and adds a builder for the 3 point, I believe it outweighs both moving up the anchor (18/15(2)) and creating a more compact front structure (10/7(2)).
Summary: The panel was not seduced by the prospect of owning bothbar pints, and felt the outfield control from the ten points was moreimportant. Bringing all 15 checkers around together is often a good concept.
Play Votes Score18/15(3), 16/13 5 10018/15(2), 16/10 3 8016/7, 10/7 2 7016/4 1 6018/15(2), 10/7(2) 0 40
Problem 3
| 153 157 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 21/15, 13/11.
I like the running move from the 21 pt. All the way is doubtful. Especially with a blot on the 11 pt. and White has split his back men. I prefer to cover it and establish a strong point in Blue's outer board. If hit on the 15 pt Blue is still going strong.
Chuck Bower: 11/3*.
I see two tempting candidates. 21/13 is a racing play,coming down to just one checker back while evening thepipcount. White can't do too much damage, with only 5 shots at Blue's checker on the 11-point. Alternately,11/3* takes advantage of Blue's better homeboard butgives White 17 shots to grab the race lead.
21/13 is more committal. With only one remaining backchecker Blue will need to step softly with safety takingon added importance. Hitting keeps Blue's options open.Depending upon White's response, Blue can continue toattack/blitz, anchor up, prime, or race.
The choice isn't obvious, but with the race lead so closeafter the running play, I think the better homeboard arguesfor aggession at the expense of 12 extra shots.
Doug Doub: 21/15, 13/11.
Hit or not? It is certainly reasonable toattack on the 3pt, but we lack the ammunition for a blitz, and White's offensive threats are rather minimal. It seems natural to take a more positional approach. We could leave 9 fewer shots if we continue with our back man all the way to the midpoint, but that would add to the stack there.
Our 11pt might not seem particularly valuable, but you never know when a point is going to come in handy. Another consideration is that White is down to his last spare on the midpoint, and there is a bit of duplication involved, since 31, 53, and 63 play reasonably well for White already. Adding another point and avoiding piling up men on the midpoint should adequately compensate for the addtional shots we leave.
Ian Dunstan: 11/3*.
The race is basically even so 21/13 could be right, but seems a bit toopassive IMO. Making the 11pt, with 13/11 21/15, would be a good idea ifBlue didn't already own his 5pt. Here, the 11pt is less valuable and leavesWhite a good hit on his 10pt. The hitting play 21/15 5/3* (duplicatingthrees), doesn't feel quite right to me either. Blue would prefer more covernumbers for the 3pt when White misses. If hit, he probably doesn't mindhaving a couple of men back to try to make an advanced anchor more easily.I would pound away with 11/3* and hope to turn the cube soon if I'm missed.
Neil Kazaross: 21/15, 5/3*.
The race is effectively even and we have the better board and the nonhitting plays, while decent, don't seem to have as much going for them as hitting loose does, IMHO. So I hit with 5/3x but now much decide on a 6 to play. After hitting 5/3x there is the old fashoned building play of 11/5 or the modern connective play of 21/15. In this case I prefer the modern connective play to give us checkers working on all parts of the board. The outer boards are more important than many old timers realised and 11/5 leaves the rear blot on the 21 point vulnerable to a big collection of attackers in the poor variations where the loose hit fails and the anchor isn't made on the 21.
However, 11/5 indeed makes it easier to cover the 5 point and tocontinue the attack inside the home board. But, after 21/15 there still are plenty of covering numbers.
My very slight preference is for the modern linking 21/15 after the loose hit of 5/3x (note the duped 3's)
George Klitsas: 21/13.
The simple 21/13 takes my vote. The more scientific 21/15 13/11 would be a serious candidate if the hitting roll (64) were not duplicated by making Blue's bar point 11/3* is interesting and, although I would not object against it in a chouette, I will stick to my original choice.
Snowie: 21/15, 13/11.
Assets are assets. I now have complete control of my outer board, soWhite will find it very difficult to escape his back checkers. There isno need to complicate the issue by hitting loose.
Marty Storer: 21/15, 13/11.
I've studied many similar positions. In the opening it'svery often correct to leave a direct shot in the opposingoutfield, instead of an indirect shot in one's own, inorder to lock up an outfield point. In fact, when in doubt,leave the direct shot and make the point in the outfield.Here, the 11 point is valuable, and unstacking the midpointhelps. Not all White's hits are very good; 53 leaves adirect return, 31 is duplicated to make the 5 or 21 point,33 is duplicated to make two inside points, and 63 isduplicated to flee. Even 21 is duplicated to make the22 point, though that's not very important. If Whitemisses, Blue's outfield presence exercises very strongrestraint against White's back checkers. For fairlysmall risk, Blue has an excellent chance for a substantialgain; I'm pretty sure Blue should make the 11 point.
Bob Stringer: 21/15, 5/3*.
24/16 and 24/22, 21/15 look bad on general principle. Trying torun one of the back checkers while either leaving or putting theother one on an advanced point in White's board gives him too muchtoo attack. 21/13 isn't bad, so hold that thought while I look forsomething more active. 21/15, 13/11 is reasonable too. It tries toescape only one back checker, leaves the other one safe on the 24point, and makes a not bad outfield point. 21/15, 5/3* also looksgood. Duplicates 3's, and has potential for good things on bothsides of the board -- escaping and/or making an inner board point.White likely won't stop both things at once. 11/3* is all rightbut a bit overboard (it would have more appeal if it went afterthe 4 point), since it gives White a target on his 4 point if hecan't hit the blot on my 3 point. Sure, moving to his outfieldwith 21/15 also gives him something to aim at, but what he reallywants is to make use of that stack on his 6 point, so giving himan inner board target is not good. I'll reject 21/13 because thereare reasonable moves that are more active, and I'll reject 21/15,13/11 because making the 11 point isn't quite so wonderful nowthat my 5 point is already made.
Kit Woolsey: 21/15, 13/11.
A point is a point. Even though the 11 point may not seem to valuable inconjunction with the made five point, it will be a good outpostto have locked up later on. It is worth leaving the direct shot in orderto get this point, and the resulting distribution gives me flexibility tomake a better point next roll if the shot it missed. I don't like hittingloose on the three point. White isn't threatening much, so I believe thishas greater downside than upside.
Chris Yep: 21/13.
21/13 is a simple play, but it looks best to me. After 21/13 the race is even, but Blue has a better board and only one man back. Also, 21/13 only gives White 5 shots (6-4, 6-2, 4-4) at his outfield blot. Running only partway into the outfield (24/22 21/15 and 24/16) seems like a waste of time; I definitely believe that if Blue is going to run he should either run all the way or at least get another point out of it (i.e. 21/15 13/11). However 21/15 13/11 gives White 14 shots, which seems like too many. Hitting loose on the 3 point is also possible, but since Blue is a little short on ammunition, the 17 return shots it gives White are too many when compared to the solid position which results after 21/13.
Summary: Locking up the 11 point for future usage was the concensusvote. One never knows when an outfield point is going to come in handy.
Play Votes Score21/15, 13/11 5 10021/13 2 7021/15, 5/3* 2 7011/3* 2 7024/16 0 4024/22, 21/15 0 40
Problem 4
| 145 156 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/5.
Moving the back men into the face of White's forces will be difficult to pull off. Even coupled with the split move of bringing down a man from the midpt is an unnecessary danger. White has too much ammunition waiting up front. I will go for putting my man where it belongs and give White food for thought.
Chuck Bower: 23/15.
Slotting either the 7-point or 5-point is tempting, butwith split back checkers and a blot in the homeboard Ithink Blue needs to be careful. Meanwhile there aremany plays which duplicates White's best numbers. Themain goal of duplication is to limit opponent's good tosses. Here the duplication plays still give White lots of options, with blots all over the place.
23/15 looks like a racing play, but here it is more anattempt to limit the damage White can inflict. Only oneBlue checker is in immediate danger. Knowing how to takea punch is as important at backgammon as it is at boxing.
Doug Doub: 8/6, 8/2.
There are several things that we would like to do.Get an advanced anchor; put some of those spares on our midpoint to better use; cover the 2pt. I don't like running out a back man. Since we trail a bit in the race, it seems to offer far too many shots for somewhat small gain when we are missed.
13-7, 13-11 looks a bit better than 13-5, since we would have more cover numbers, and 4's are a good number for White on his side of the board. Another possibility is to go after the best anchor with 23-21, 13-7. This attempts to address two of our biggest needs, and the duplication (triplication) of 4's is real.
I decided to take a quieter approach. I don't like losing the 8pt, but it is of significant value to make the 2pt, and leave no blots on our side of the board. With luck, next roll, I will be able to hit, anchor, or escape, without having to worry about the blot dangling on my 2pt.
Ian Dunstan: 8/6, 8/2.
After feeling pretty confused by this problem I chose to make the 2ptdespite a dislike for losing the blocking 8pt. Plays' that use the six tocome out to the 18pt (or White's other outfield points) are prone to doubleor triple shots. To me, this is far too dangerous, especially since Whitewould love to make another offensive point upfront somewhere next roll.Placing a chequer in White's outfield only helps him achieve this moreeasily.
What about Blue using the six to slot his 7pt? I think the best move in thiscase is 23/21 13/7 which attempts to make a good blocking point and alsoslots an advanced anchor (duplicating fours). This looks to be a pretty goodoption except for the blot it leaves hanging on the 2pt; waiting to be hitat just the wrong time. A blot hitting contest is likely to ensue aftermaking this play (White hits something with any 4, 2, 7, 9 or double 6's). Ithink that the 2pt blot is such a liability that it makes this play a bitdubious.
If the six is played 8/2 then the logical followup is 8/6. This play leavesthe race fairly even. No free shots are given in either outfield, nor infront of White's fleeing chequer. The 2pt blot liability is gone for good.Blue will also have a possibilty of attacking White's blot, next roll, witha stronger board. Can't be all bad.
Neil Kazaross: 8/6, 8/2.
This 62 is not a great shot but I think we make the best of it bysimply building our board with 8/6, 8/2 and hoping to hit something soon. My 2nd choice is the 4 dupe 23/21 and 13/7, but I fear that loses to many G's when it fails and doesn't do enough to be worth the risk. Running plays here don't accomplish nearly enough to leave a double shot when down in the race. 8/6, 8/2 is my play.
George Klitsas: 23/21, 13/7.
The long term consequences of losing the 8 point are serious and I much prefer among the alternatives the aggressive 23/21 13/7, which duplicates 4's, slotting an advances anchor. Blue must force things, otherwise (by trying to escape in the outfield with a back checker, for example) most probably he will lose slowly-slowly (at some point he will face a strong cube, a marginal take-pass).
Snowie: 23/21, 13/7.
This is the play which improves my position on both sides of the board, bythreatening to make an advanced anchor and going after the offensivebar point. And look at that nice duplication of fours in the bargain.
Marty Storer: 8/6, 8/2.
The blot on the 2 point is a serious weakness. Bluewould like to get the back checkers moving, but suchmobilization attempts are tactical by nature, and Blue'sweak board really hurts. The only choice seems to be totighten the board and hope for good things next time.White is an underdog to make the bar or 4 point; hopefullynext turn Blue can attack White's back man, hit in theoutfield, or split aggressively.
Bob Stringer: 23/21, 13/7.
A crummy roll. White has the stronger position, he's ahead in therace and has only one checker back. He's also in a decent positionto attack if I'm too loose with this one. 24/22, 13/7 is out,since it's a poor version of 23/21, 13/7. The latter move tries todo the same thing but doesn't bring both back checkers under theshadow of all those checkers on White's 8 point. 24/22, 8/2 givesup the 8 point for nothing and hands White gift shots. 24/18,13/11 is very bad; White wants to make his bar point to establisha 4 point prime, and 24/18 invites him to hit and make it half waytoward his goal in the process. 23/15 invites White to hit andfill his outfield with more builders/attackers. 23/21, 13/7 -- um,I don't like 13/7, but I'm running out of plays. It's the best sofar. 13/5 is similar, but I'd rather move a checker up to the 21point to get better outfield coverage. 13/11, 13/7 is not bad, butI again prefer moving up to the 21 point. Finally, 8/6, 8/2 isn'tretarded, since it gives me the stronger board (more of adefensive, than offensive plus in this position), but it gives upthe 8 point. I can't see doing that. So, much as 13/7 creeps meout, that's how I play it.
Kit Woolsey: 13/11, 13/7.
This is a difficult play. Running a back checker doesn't appear to accomplishvery much. I don't like breaking the eight point -- that point is too importantfor containing White's back checker. I think it is nececcary to put as muchpressure on this checker as possible. My play both attacks the blot andthreatens to make the bar point, as well as unstacking the heavy midpointand duplicating White's many good fours around the board. Nothing elseseems to accomplish so much.
Chris Yep: 23/21, 13/7.
Thematically it looks right to play 23/21 13/7. White is threatening a prime, so Blue wants to try for an advanced anchor before it's too dangerous. At the same time he puts more pressure on the outfield, making it more difficult for White to develop his midpoint. On the other side of the board, Blue unstacks his heavy midpoint and slots his bar point. While Blue doesn't want to get hit, there is significant duplication as 4-1, 4-2, and 4-6 already play well for White. Additionally it creates a distraction for White. If White works on his offense next turn, Blue will be better able to build/attack next turn.
Summary: On a difficult problem with a lot of possibilities, the panelwas split between tightening up and the looser improving on both sides ofthe board, with a few also-rans. There are good arguments for any of theapproaches, and it is not obvious to me what is best.
Play Votes Score8/6, 8/2 4 10023/21, 13/7 4 9023/15 1 6013/5 1 6013/11, 13/7 1 6024/18, 13/11 0 4024/22, 13/7 0 4024/22, 8/2 0 40
Problem 5
| 137 155 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/9, 8/5*.
White is waiting to pounce or run his last man home. Blue is behind in the race and is doubled. I am not sure Blue wants to be hit allowing White the freedom to choose. I prefer to hit and threaten White and taking half his throw away as well.
Chuck Bower: 21/18, 13/9.
13/6 stacks. Hitting leaves tons of shots with only anequal board and only a pseudo-anchor. If Blue could keepthe 8-point this play would be more attractive. Blue has too few checkers in position on the homeside to start plopping them behind White's straggler. 21/18, 13/9 starts a decent point and brings a builder/attacker into positionwhile taking away White's chances of putting multiplecheckers on the roof. 21/14 isn't bad, but the scalesare tipped by a very old axiom: "if you're going to leavea blot, leave it where it will do the most good if missed."That's the 9-point, not the 14-point.
Doug Doub: 13/9, 8/5*.
I don't like breaking the 8pt at all, but thealternatives appear to be even worse. We trail significantly in the race, and White has no priming threat and is poorly placed to blitz, so we should try to maximize contact by keeping the man back on White's 4pt. Unfortunately, if we do so, then we have no play on our side of the board that is remotely constructive. 13-6 is safe, and is plausible, but given White's weak board, it hurts me too much to stack a fifth man on our 6pt.
I might regret it, but I think it is better to go after our best point, while keeping White from getting away for now.
Ian Dunstan: 13/9, 8/5*.
Blue has a better board, more men back, an advanced anchor and is playingagainst a single chequer threatening to escape. This indicates a Bold play,8/5* 13/9 hits and provides another attacker/builder. Attacking this waylooks best, IMO.
Neil Kazaross: 13/9, 8/5*.
Nice to have the cube when the opp has a junky 2 point board andthere's plenty of contact. However, that cube won't affect my choice of plays. I think it's time to try to go for it with 8/5x, 13/9 which can be great when White misses and we continue to attack/build our board. My 2nd choice is 13/6, but I don't want to make it easy for White to escape and simply play vs our holding game so I prefer to hit.
George Klitsas: 21/18, 6/2.
Thematically, Blue must not leave shots, since the race is close and, although I hate dumping checkers, I will vote for 21/18 6/2. The checker on the 21 point is more of a liability than an asset, I thing, and moving it to the 18 point permits Blue to hit from the 18 point without breaking his anchor.
Snowie: 13/6.
There is no reason to panic. My back checker isn't in much danger, and Idon't want to give White new material to shoot at. I have a good holdinggame even if White does get away, and the race is not out of sight. Justbring in more ammunition, sit on the position, and see what happens.
Marty Storer: 13/9, 8/5*.
This is very like a problem from our fearless leader's(and his intrepid coauthor's) "New Ideas in Backgammon."I can't remember which one, but the theme is similar.White is ahead in the race, so he wants to race; Bluewants to play against a racing attempt, and he has strongenough defense that a bold play is warranted. White hasonly (!) 18 returns on Blue's side of the board; after amiss, Blue has excellent chances to make his 5 point andkeep the pressure on White's back checker. If White hits,Blue may shore up his defense by gaining the 18-21 doubleanchor.
Bob Stringer: 13/9, 8/5*.
No hesitation on this one. I'm behind in the race and White'sthreatening to get his remaining back checker out of there. Hit'em.
Kit Woolsey: 21/18, 13/9.
Even though I am behind in the race, I think it is best to bring theback checker up to White's bar point and try to win the holding game ifI am unable to contain White's back checker. My play puts immediatepressure on that checker, and prepares to build some badly needed innerboard points.
Chris Yep: 13/6.
Blue's back man makes White's position awkward due to White's stacked position. Since Blue is behind in the race and his back man is not in much danger, I think Blue should leave his back man alone. This leaves the quiet 13/6 and 13/9 8/5*. Attacking on the 5 pt. is strong but it breaks the 8 pt. Instead I prefer 13/6, waiting for developments, while keeping Blue's structure intact.
Summary: I'm a little surprised at the majority choice of the all-outblots away loose hit. Is it really right to risk a disaster in this sortof position? The eight point has a lot of potential value here.
Play Votes Score13/9, 8/5* 6 10021/18, 13/9 2 7013/6 2 7021/18, 6/2 1 6021/14 0 40
Problem 6
| 133 106 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 15/14, 4/2*.
Hitting is essential for Blue. White must not be allowed to gain a foothold on the 2 pt and save the gammon. He will also have a reasonable game to finish. The other move duplicates ones and twos all round.
Chuck Bower: 15/14, 4/2*.
Knocking White back from the edge of the prime is thematicand gammonish. Blue's solid 5-prime offers a lot ofsecurity when White enters by hitting, and White's madeacepoint is a big minus for him if this turns into aprime-vs-prime kind of game. As is true in many sports, extending the lead is often easier than trying to protect it.
Doug Doub: 15/14, 4/2*.
We have a great position, and very significantchances for a gammon, but White has a 4-point board, and we have a bunch of blots. We can play safe with 18-15, or attack with 4-2*. After hitting, 15-14 seems clear, since it adds 66 and 33 as cover numbers, and bears directly on the back of our prime. The question is, "is it worth the risk of getting hit back, and perhaps dancing for a turn or two, and having our blots swept up?".
Scary though it might be, I think we do better to hit. Gammons count double, and our five in a row offers meaningful protection against bad things happening.
Ian Dunstan: 18/15.
I changed my mind on this problem a few times, but finally decided on thewhimpy play. If you are going to hit on the 2pt then I think you shoulddisregard any other consideration except maximising cover numbers; 15/144/2* is best. If you whimp it, 18/15 looks clear as it cuts down White'sreturn shots and leaves a solid position. After either play you don't wantWhite to roll a two.
If you've chosen the wide open play then White rolls any two (or doubleone's), things start to look scary. You might go from winning a 2-cubegammon to losing a 4-cube gammon. On the brighter side, this play willcertainly win (a lot?) more gammons than the whimpy alternative.
Conversely, 18/15 will win more games and lose less gammons than 15/14 4/2*.I'm far from sure how this translates in equity terms, when comparing thetwo plays. I don't hate seeing White roll a two so much after 18/15.
Neil Kazaross: 15/14, 4/2*.
This looks like a close choice between throwing caution to the windsto likely win a quick gammon with 4/2x, 15/14 (the best ace to make 66 play next time) and the safe, but not craven, 18/15. While I know the game can blow up in my face after the loose hit, it does place 2 men up vs a 4 point board and we have them behind a 5 prime if they enter. 4/2x, 15/14 is my choice, although I wouldn't cry for long if the captain in a chou insisted on 18/15.
George Klitsas: 15/14, 4/2*.
After 4/2* (Blue must go for the throat, I think), 15/14 looks like the natural ace. Blue is very close to make a six prime. Even if hit with a single 2, he is a favorite to reenter from the bar and continue the fight.
Snowie: 15/14, 4/2*.
Gammon time. I can't afford to give White a chance to anchor at the edgeof my prime. If he hitsback we both have four-point boards, and I get to roll first. If he doesn'thit back, I blow him out of the water. Even if things go badly, White willstill have to leap my five-prime with both back checkers. Moving15/14 with the ace covers the important eight point and gives me 3-3 and6-6 to make the two point in addition to the numbers I already have.
Marty Storer: 15/14, 4/2*.
Blue must attack, attempting a closeout and trying todeny White the quick counterplay of the 23 anchor. Is itworth it to leave White a double-hitting 22? Probably;even after a single hit Blue may not be able to consolidatein the outfield. 15/14 has two main advantages: It gives 2more ways to cover the 2 point after a miss, and makes 66into a closeout number. There are arguments in favor of 4/2*6/5*; not only does that avoid the immediate double hit with22, but it diversifies Blue's entering and hitting numbers.The choice has to be close, but I think Blue does betterwith the natural 15/14.
Bob Stringer: 15/14, 4/2*.
The boards are equal strength and I have blots all over the place,but the gammon potential is huge if I hit. If White had only asingle man on the bar I'd be inclined to move to the ace pointafter hitting, so he couldn't both hit me and end up 6 points fromfreedom. But since he has to enter two men, I'll take the time toplay 15/14 in order to duplicate both 1's and 2's.
Kit Woolsey: 18/15.
Perhaps this is too conservative, but White's only asset is his four-pointboard and I would hate to see him get a chance to use that asset if I hitloose and he hits back. Those three blots in the outfield scare me. IfWhite rolls a two I'll be happy I didn't hit loose, and if he doesn't I canprobably hit loose next time with a lot more security.
Chris Yep: 15/14, 4/2*.
Blue has a stronger board/prime. I believe that hitting on the 2 pt. is essential as it wins a lot more gammons than any of the passive moves. 4/2*/1 is possible, but I prefer the big play of leaving the 2 pt. slotted. Blue's board/prime is significantly stronger than White's board, and the gain from completing a full 6-prime is large. Between 15/14 4/2* and 6/5 4/2*, 15/14 4/2* is better since it creates 28 covers for the 2 pt. (6/5 4/2* only creates 26 covers).
Summary: The consensus vote is full steam ahead with the attack. Isuppose in retrospect I must agree. While there is danger, it takesa pretty big parlay for the loose hit to blow up in Blue's face.
Play Votes Score15/14, 4/2* 9 10018/15 2 7015/13, 6/5 0 4015/13, 4/3 0 406/5, 4/2* 0 404/2*, 2/1 0 40
Problem 7
| 118 139 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 11/8, 11/5.
Blue could be in trouble next throw. White will hit if he can. Blue can't escape and he is unable to play a constructive move on this roll. So as the man on the 5 pt is under threat Blue has to play safe on this throw and not leave another blot hanging around.
Chuck Bower: 11/8, 11/5.
This early in the game it is usually wrong to give up apoint while gaining nothing in return. Here alternativescreate new blots which Blue can't afford, having avulnerable blot in White's homeboard already. In addition,the 11-point is inefficiently placed 6-away from thealready made 5-point. After 11/5, safetying the bloton the 11-point makes sense, providing better checker location and minimizing blots with one already under attack.
Doug Doub: 11/8, 11/5.
This was not the roll of our dreams. Both 13-4and 13-10, 11-8 are reasonable alternatives, but I think that we have enough building potential without leaving the extra blots, to make me choose the safer play of 11-8, 11-5.
Ian Dunstan: 11/8, 11/5.
It seems straightforward to me to play safely here. White is prettycertain to hit loose on his 5pt, or maybe point on you there. While you arescrambling to come in from the bar, having another blot lying around couldbe very dangerous. 11/8 11/5 is the safest play and leaves a nicedistribution. IMO, it is a clear error to make any of the alternate plays,all leave additional blot(s).
Neil Kazaross: 11/8, 11/5.
A splendid shot which escapes completely with 20/..OMG it's blocked.Oh well.. :(. Anyhow..I play 11/8,11/5 since the alternatives are blotty and leave us clearly getting gammoned clearly more often.
George Klitsas: 11/8, 11/5.
I don't want to leave a second blot in this very dangerous situation, even if I would constructively duplicate sixes or threes and the only such play is 11/5 11/8.
Snowie: 11/8, 11/5.
I could be in trouble, and I don't want to leave any unnecessary blotsfloating around. The distribution after this play is just fine.
Marty Storer: 13/10, 11/5.
Blue should do something to increase the pressure onWhite's back man. 11/5 11/8 doesn't look powerful enough.13/4 leaves only one more blot, but leaves more hittingnumbers. I think Blue can afford to eschew the slot andleave two outside blots in order to cut White's shotnumbers. Blue isn't afraid of leaving 63 and 33 to hitoutside; White is attacking inside with those numbersanyway.
Bob Stringer: 13/10, 11/5.
13/4 simply gives White an additional blot to shoot at. 13/7, 8/5also gives White a shot, and while the chance of making a 4 pointprime is nice, it's not worth the risk of being hit. Note thatsince White has already made his two deepest points, he has extragammon potential -- a good blitzing position -- if he sends anotherone of my checkers back and I'm not able to anchor. 11/8, 11/5seems perverse -- I'm behind and it makes my position lessflexible. Same comment for the ugly 11/5, 8/5. I like 13/10, 11/5by a reasonable margin over the other plays. The extra checker onthe 5 point can be used to make another inner board point, and thechecker on the 10 point is a builder for both the 4 point and thebar point.
Kit Woolsey: 11/8, 11/5.
This is not the time to leave extra blots floating around, with my backchecker likely to be attacked. The 11 point isn't vital here, and thebuilder on the five point is in a nice place.
Chris Yep: 11/8, 11/5.
Since Blue may come under attack next turn, it looks better not to leave a second blot. 11/8 11/5 breaks the 8 pt., but only leaves one blot. It also adds a builder to the 5 pt. and keeps spares on the key 8 pt. and midpoint.
Summary: It is seldom a good idea to be weak on both sides of theboard at once. The panel made that abundantly clear with their very safechoice. There is no doubt in my mind that this is best.
Play Votes Score11/8, 11/5 9 10013/10, 11/5 2 7013/4 0 4013/7, 8/5 0 4011/5, 8/5 0 40
Problem 8
| 159 143 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 10/4, 6/4.
Blue has taken White's 5 pt and I see no reason to move them this early in the game. Bringing down two men from the midpt is not necessary at present leaving a weaken outer board. The four pt looks good to me.
Chuck Bower: 10/4, 6/4.
Blue needs to safety the blot else risk losing the nicerace lead in this mutual holding game. Blue has thechoice of shifting to the 18-point, but the 20-pointis preferable in general, and White's stack on his6-point is kept awkward by staying. Adding the4-point is nice for future blot hitting. The resultingposition looks quite solid, right when White is stacked.
Doug Doub: 10/4, 6/4.
We are ahead in the race, so racing would often beappropriate. However, we can only advance our back anchor to the 18pt, unless we leave a shot. White has an awkward stack of men on his 6pt, and I don't think that we should give them the option of going to the point that they would most like to go to. Filling in our 4pt puts some real teeth in our board.
We are likely to have to leave a shot at some point, as is our opponent. Making the best available point in our board, while preventing our opponent from doing the same, increases the chances that later hits will be more favorable for us.
Ian Dunstan: 20/18(2), 10/8, 6/4.
This is a mutual holding game and Blue is ahead 24 pips after this roll. Totake advantage of the race, Blue would like to run his back men safely. Theplay 20/16(2) would be good now if Blue's blot on the 10pt wasn't there, asit stands, leaving this blot is too expensive. One safe play is 10/4 6/4,which makes a great point but doesn't do anything towards freeing the backmen. This begs the question, does moving 20/18(2) with part of this roll,help or hinder in this cause? Sixes become blocked, which is a negative. Youare that little bit closer to home and now have a direct five to go to themidpoint, these are positives. Making the 4pt will probably happen soon.However, not doing so immediately, gives White more freedom to leave ablot(s) next roll when fleeing with his spare and/or slotting his homeboard(negative). Also, the 18pt anchor isn't as good as the Golden anchor(negative).
Hmmm... two positives and three negatives. Possibly I'm overdoing theracing theme and making too many concessions, but ultimately decided that"when ahead in the race, race". I chose what I think best serves thisobjective, 20/18(2) 10/8 6/4.
Neil Kazaross: 10/4, 6/4.
Merciful Kit has given us an easy problem with only two reasonablechoices !! We can make our 4 point with 10/4,6/4 or play 10/8, 13/11(3). I clearly prefer our 4 point to strengten our board for the contact likely coming up, noting our race lead. No other play looks close to me here since leaving a blot to be hit by a playable spare looks silly.
George Klitsas: 10/4, 6/4.
Making the 4 point (10/4 6/4) looks like the natural move here, retaining an ideal distribution of builders. Making White's bar point might or might not be an improvement, but making the 4 point sure is. Leaving the blot on the 10 point is out of the question, since the race is close.
Snowie: 10/4, 6/4.
The four point is the next point in line, so why not make it? White hasno board, so I'm not afraid of being hit.
Marty Storer: 10/4, 6/4.
Time to improve the board in anticipation of contact.Blue will soon be looking to flee, and a big advantagein board strength mitigates the risk involved in breakinganchor. White may have to leave an inner-board blotimmediately, so Blue may immediately have a good opportunityto run. The 4 point does a lot to protect a running attempt.
Bob Stringer: 10/4, 6/4.
Simplest looks best.
Kit Woolsey: 10/4, 6/4.
Whatever route this game takes, I know I am going to want that four point.It isn't so bad if White hits the blot, and if he doesn't my checkers arewhere I want them. White has no board, so this is the time to playaggressively.
Chris Yep: 20/18(2), 10/8, 6/4.
Blue has a 24 pip race lead after the roll, so wants to disengage contact if convenient. 20/18(2) 10/8 6/4 gets Blue's back men closer to home, leaves no blots, and starts the 4 pt. No other move does this much. Note that making the 4 pt. is better than just slotting it, but not so critical since White already has an advanced anchor.
Summary: Despite the racing lead, the panel was not tempted to runand solidly made the four point. This certainly appears to be the right idea here.
Play Votes Score10/4, 6/4 9 10020/18(2), 10/8, 6/4 2 7020/16(2) 0 4020/18(2), 6/4(2) 0 4013/11(3), 10/8 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 17/11, 13/8 18/15(2), 16/10 21/15, 13/11 13/5 13/9, 8/5* 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Chuck Bower 13/8, 13/7 18/15(3), 16/13 11/3* 23/15 21/18, 13/9 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Doug Doub 13/8, 13/7 18/15(2), 16/10 21/15, 13/11 8/6, 8/2 13/9, 8/5* 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Ian Dunstan 13/8, 13/7 16/7, 10/7 11/3* 8/6, 8/2 13/9, 8/5* 18/15 11/8, 11/5 20/18(2), 10/8, 6/4Neil Kazaross 13/8, 13/7 18/15(3), 16/13 21/15, 5/3* 8/6, 8/2 13/9, 8/5* 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4George Klitsas 13/8, 13/7 18/15(3), 16/13 21/13 23/21, 13/7 21/18, 6/2 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Snowie 17/11, 13/8 18/15(2), 16/10 21/15, 13/11 23/21, 13/7 13/6 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Marty Storer 13/8, 13/7 16/7, 10/7 21/15, 13/11 8/6, 8/2 13/9, 8/5* 15/14, 4/2* 13/10, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Bob Stringer 13/7, 6/1 18/15(3), 16/13 21/15, 5/3* 23/21, 13/7 13/9, 8/5* 15/14, 4/2* 13/10, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Kit Woolsey 13/8, 13/7 18/15(3), 16/13 21/15, 13/11 13/11, 13/7 21/18, 13/9 18/15 11/8, 11/5 10/4, 6/4Chris Yep 13/8, 13/7 16/4 21/13 23/21, 13/7 13/6 15/14, 4/2* 11/8, 11/5 20/18(2), 10/8, 6/4
