117
money game
Blue
return to indexReaders Answers
Problem 1
| 141 117 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 23/17, 4/3*.
I am not in favour of another man back at this stage of the game. But it could be a necessary risk with the right sort of play. Running with the 6 is right here. All the way is another matter. Leaving a double shot and allowing White the freedom of choice, including consolidating his back men could be helping your opponent too much. As Blue has doubled he must be aggressive and force White back. I will go for the above move.
Chuck Bower: 23/16.
My third choice isn't even listed as a candidate: 13/7, 8/7. Thissolid play doesn't address Blue's primary goal of getting the backchecker over White's 4-prime. After 23/17 the obvious ace is thecontinuation 17/16 giving White 21 shots but no double shots. 4/3* hasseveral things going for it: leaves fewer shots (19 vs. 21), activatesan awkwardly stacked checker, keeps White off balance and ups the gammonfraction. The downside is pretty severe, however -- two blots.Trying to get one out of White's snare, 4/3* risks getting TWO inthe mire. I'm going with a Rob Maier principle (even if he'd ratherbe playing bridge): "the cute play is usually wrong". 23/16.
Nigel Buchan: 23/16.
Hit, run, or block, all looks good if they work 23/17,4/3 maybe. But why risk a shot with that racing lead. It has to be 23/16 and duplicate 4&1.
Neil Kazaross: 8/2*, 4/3*.
Two plays stand out to me here and they involve different plans. One isto run with 23-16 noting the nice race lead and the builders ready to pounce next roll if White cannot hit in the outfield. Plan B is to simply pound away at White's two blots now, noting our array of builders to follow up which means that White will likely be gammoned off the board if he misses the 21 number shot. White may also hit with a dance and then we'll be alright if we enter. It might look strange to hit and leave two inside blots when we are ahead in the race and have only 1 rear checker, but I slightly prefer to try for the gammon now, rather than leaving a double outfield shot so I vote to play 2x,3x !!.
George Klitsas: 23/17, 4/3*.
The bold 8/2* 4/3* is tempting but quite wrong in this position -even if White fans, Blue is not a favorite to make both of the slotted points. If White return-hits one of the blots, he becomes a favorite to cash the game in a few rolls. The quiet 23/16 is plausible, but, best of all is the aggressive 23/17 4/3* (better, in my opinion, than a similar [strategically] play, namely 23/22 8/2*). With the suggested play, Blue uses the right builder, the one from the overloaded four play and not the spare from the eight point and tries to make his points in order.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 23/16.
The top priority is to leap the prime and win the race, not to get involved in a blot hitting contest. If White hits, it's not for free: hitting with one does not make the anchor and hitting with four concedes the midpoint.
Snowie: 23/16.
I am ahead in the race. White's board is as strong as mine. Having asecond checker sent back could be a disaster. My game plan is to run homeand win, and 23/16 follows that plan. If White misses, that's great. IfWhite hits, I only have one man back and everything else is intact. Hittingloose here is not a good idea.
Marty Storer: 23/16.
Everything has drawbacks. Making the bar isn't even listed. The five prime is very tempting, but White gets to roll first, with 13 shots outside, 4 inside, plus 52, 22 and 11 to make the 8 point. The double hit is also tempting, but very big because any return is a huge swing in White's favor. Failing a hit, White may stay in the game by rolling two successive 1's or by hitting on the next turn. Single hits are likewise big, and allow White a double shot at a return hit or a decent low anchor. When in doubt, weenie out. The best weenie play looks like 23/16, minimizing blots and shots, and trying to race when ahead. When White misses, Blue is in very good shape; when he hits, Blue still has plenty of static advantages and may even return hit.
Bob Stringer: 23/16.
My first reaction was 23/17, 4/3*. The position is inflexible, andhitting on the 3 point looks like a reasonable try to improve mystructure. But the swing after this play is big: if White misses*and* I cover that's a tremendous improvement; but if White hits(or even double hits), life is not good. In the end, leaving twoblots looks like it's too much, and so 23/16 it is.
Casper van der Tak: 8/2*, 4/3*.
This might well be the odd choice out, but I like it. There are three plays that have merit: 23/17 4/3*; 23/16 and 8/2* 4/3*. 8/2* 23/22 and 13/7 8/7 do not look like real contenders, the latter not due to the positions of the spares on Blue's prime and the shot on the midpoint, combined with the difficulty in escaping the back checker; the first one not since it hits on the wrong point, and does not use one of the ugly stack on the 4.Now concentrating on the top three
23/16 - Escapes the last checker, and leaves 21 shots. Duplicates anchoring ones. Leaves only one blot.
23/17 43* - Escapes the last checker, and leaves 17 shots. Duplicates anchoring twos. Levase two blots, and leaves 5 double hits and one number that hits and makes a solid 5-prime. White dances with 9 rolls. On balance, this looks very slightly better to me than 23/16, even though White's 3s are costly. Blue is very happy when White dances
8/2* 4/3*- A different approach, the blitz. Perhaps indicated since White has the somewhat better prime, and Blue has an abundance of spares. Look also at the ease of follow up: 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s 5s and 6s all cover... Blue is very happy if White dances (9 numbers) or enters with one but misses (6 numbers). 21 numbers hit, but in 12 cases White will still have a checker on the roof. In that case, Blue is on roll, and also has a checker on the roof. A dynamical position where the first strike capacity is very important. Double hits: only 3. Single hits, entering two checkers: 6 number. Only in the last 9 cases does Blue become a clear underdog.
I like the double hit, which provides very high gains when it works.
Kit Woolsey: 8/2*, 4/3*.
Anything is going to leave several shot numbers. Given that, it seemsbest to fire both barrels and hit two. My builders are decently placedto carry out a blitz. If White doesn't hit back, I should have have agood chance to follow through with the attack. If White does hit back hemay still have one checker on the bar, and I could win the blot-hittingcontest.
Chris Yep: 23/17, 4/3*.
Blue is way ahead in the race, and with only one man back, it's thematic to race. 23/16 and 23/17 4/3* both try to race. They both leave White about the same number of shots (23/16 gives White 23 shots; 23/17 4/3* gives White only 19 shots, but 5 double hits). However, I have a slight preference for 23/17 4/3* since it unstacks the heavy 4 point on White's blot. The gains appear to be more than worth the risk of being sent back 22 pips. Blue has two other moves to consider. 23/22 8/2* minimizes shots, but fails to jump White's prime and strips Blue's 8 point. Finally 8/2* 4/3* attacks and clearly wins more gammons at the expense of more losses. Is it worth it? It's hard for me to tell, but the deciding factor for me was the status of Blue's 8 point. If Blue had an extra checker on the 8 point (say from the 4 pt.), then I would attack, but here I think Blue does better trying to escape. Overall I prefer 23/17 4/3*.
Summary: The concensus vote was to run, and I will admit that thearguments for running make sense. Still, two on the bar is awfullytempting.
Play Votes Score23/16 6 10023/17, 4/3* 3 808/2*, 4/3* 3 8023/22, 8/2* 0 40
Problem 2
| 117 113 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 7/4, 7/1.
Take the risk now or wait? Pay now or later. If we decide to wait the alternatives are not attractive. A common accepted approach is to wait it out and the doubles will come. If Blue is hit he could be trapped especially if the 5 pt is made. If White rolls big numbers his timing could be struggling and he could break from the midpt. I will go for pay later.
Chuck Bower: 15/6.
Why is Blue supposed to break up one of his four blocking points?Is White's timing that bad? 15/6 is the direct approach, notparticularly dangerous, and consistent with the race lead. Whenit fails Blue gets a return shot.
Nigel Buchan: 7/4, 7/1.
I found this problem the most difficult. Blue is ahead in the race, but White has some timing difficulties, his game is too far forward. Therefore I think Blue's game plan should be to block and make points hoping White will come off the12pt first, then Blue can double. I would keep the 8pt, White just might get double 3, this would leave only double 4 to run.
Neil Kazaross: 8/2, 4/1.
I've been served too many burgers for plays like 15-6 which don't winthe game when they work since the race isn't close to gin and there's still some clearing to do. Lets look for something else. 7-4,7-1 looks playable, but what about next roll ? I don't like the way the next roll looks so, while I may roll a joker, I'm afraid I won't. Thus I vote for the "clever" (perhaps too clever) 4-1, 8-2 which makes it riskier for White to hit this 3 shot, since my return shots have are stronger with a better board. If missed, I can continue working on my board. I give a slight nod to 4-1, 8-2.
George Klitsas: 15/6.
It seems to me much better to pay now (15/6) than postponing the inevitable (i.e. to leave a shot). After the move that is probably second-best (7/4 7/1), White's position will keep improving and Blue's [in all probability] deteriorating. All the ingredients, including the race advantage for Blue, are here for paying now.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 7/4, 7/1.
A blot here could easily backfire. The only play leaving no blots is clearing the barpoint. Flexibility is not ideal but there are some spares in the home board to play with and soon White is going to face similar problems.
Snowie: 7/4, 7/1.
There are times to pay now, but this isn't one of them. The problem is thatif I play 15/6 and get away with it, I'm still a long way from claiming.The race is fairly close, and I will have the later problem of clearingthe 11 point. White does have some inner board blots, but his board isstronger than mine and he has several hit and cover numbers if I run.Discretion is the better part of valor.
Marty Storer: 7/4, 7/1.
In races as close as this one, bots tend to ding me severely for volunteering, even when opponent has multiple blots inside. I'll guess the weenie play is best. With another roll's worth of racing lead, I'd bite my tongue and break the 15 point.
Bob Stringer: 7/4, 7/1.
I'm playing safe here. Every play that leaves a blot, with theexception of 7/1, 6/3 (duplicating 2's), gives White thediversification to both cover his five point and to hit. I don'twant to give him that many chances to make a big improvement, so Iplay safe and hope for a better roll next time.
Casper van der Tak: 7/4, 7/1.
Safe. Blue is ahead in the race, but not by much. Blue would like to break his back anchor, but that would invite a blot hitting contest in which Blue is outboarded, and has a vulnerable bot on the 24 besides. The blots in White board may provide an argument for playing 15/6, but look again: fully 11 numbers hit and cover one of White's blots. All other plays leave a blot, while not clearing a point that is difficult to clear.
Just play safe, and wait for doubles or White to break a key point. The gap between the points is ugly, but this is not a museum.
Kit Woolsey: 15/6.
I have a small racing lead, and if I pay later my board is going todeteriorate while his gets better. This looks like a good time to paynow. White does have several hit and cover numbers, but not all of hishits cover.
Chris Yep: 7/4, 7/1.
Completely safe but necessary. For example if Blue plays 15/6 White will have 9 numbers that hit and make a 4 point board (3-2, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 5-5). The fact that 7/4 7/1 covers Blue's acepoint blot and that White is also running out of time swing the decision to 7/4 7/1 in my mind.
Summary: Another example in the pay me now or pay me later category.I'll bet that 10 years ago the vote wouldn't have looked anything like this.I'm still not convinced since White does have inner board blots nowand abandoning the bar point could lead to ugliness later on, but theaguments for paying later are persuasive.
Play Votes Score7/4, 7/1 8 10015/6 3 808/2, 4/1 1 6011/2 0 4011/8, 7/1 0 407/1, 6/3 0 40
Problem 3
| 113 134 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 22/16, 13/11.
It depends on how one sees this problem. If Blue has to be aggressive then slot, make it now, if not run. If Blue slots only 5's or 1's cover, 20 shots. Split and run and if White enters and hits then Blue could be in a lot of trouble. Although the home boards are the same White is waiting to come in. Therefore I will move my back men out now duplicating 4's, 5's and 6's.
Chuck Bower: 22/16, 13/11.
This looks like one of those paradoxical positions where the playerway behind in the race also has bad timing. With White on the barBlue has a chance to work on the latter problem. 22/16 is the start;then find a deuce. 16/14 looks like duplication of 2's, but 13/11 getsa checker across to the 'safe side' and adds a builder for the 5-point.Additionally, if the blot on the 16-point gets hit Blue will have somereturn shots on both the 16-point and the 12-point, compared toonly on the 12-point after 16/14.
Nigel Buchan: 13/5.
Close White out now. Blue is going to need the 5pt not only to bring his men home but also to recube, there are only a few more shots but a lot less blots. I don't like the idea of having 4 blots struggling home with 2 empty spaces in my home board and sweating on being gammoned for the next few rolls.
Neil Kazaross: 22/16, 13/11.
This looks clear to me. It's time to bite the bullet and hop out with22-16, 13-11 while White is on the bar. This can backfire very quickly, but also can solve a lot of problems. 13-5 doesn't win yet when it works and is my 2nd choice.
George Klitsas: 22/16, 13/11.
I don't care for the moves that bury checkers, namely 13/7 6/4 and 13/11 10/4. With three checkers back, every single checker aiming at the five point is of great importance and therefore, voluntarily burying one of them is a luxury that Blue cannot afford in this position. The unusual slot 13/5 is interesting and, in fact, a serious candidate for the top choice. It's weakness is not obvious at the first glance. Suppose, tho, that White fans. Then Blue will clearly see that he must use his next roll to make [if possible and, especially with 5's] his five point and risk the timely escape of his back checkers. Conceivable is also the "smart" 13/7 10/8, which leaves fewer shots from the bar than 13/5 and more flexibility, but risks the scooping of Blue's checkers and an easy gammon or backgammon [already doubled] for White, when things go wrong. Remain two bold moves that involve activating now the back checker from the 22 point, namely 22/14 and 22/16 13/11. I vote for 22/16 13/11, which adds animportant builder for Blue's five point instead of creating duplication [of two's] just for duplication's sake.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 13/5.
If this play succeeds there may soon be a change of favourite and a possible cube action.
Snowie: 13/5.
Breaking the anchor on the 22 point is a bit too risky. The five point is thepoint I want to make, so why not slot it? This may seem unusual, leaving aa direct shot from the bar. However, I need to lock up that five point beforeI can get my back men moving safely, and the quickest way to make it is toslot it. If White enters with a five I'm in trouble anyway, so it is bestto make the optimistic assumption that he will flunk and play accordingly.
Marty Storer: 13/5.
Blue can't afford to give up the anchor and leave blots galore. White has too many ways to come in and hit. If Blue can make the 5 point, there will be plenty of escape opportunities later. 13/5 keeps the blot count down, gives the best overall chance to make the 5 point, and allows some recovery chances if the slotted checker is hit. The 5 point is key to Blue's desire to mobilize the back juniors while White stays on the bar, so it makes sense to go after it.
Bob Stringer: 22/16, 13/11.
13/5 (which, for some reason I didn't even see until I made mypick and then looked at the choices) deserves seriousconsideration. If it works out well, it really works out well. ButI still have to cover, and if I don't (odds against) the odds arethat White is not going to dance. With three men back, any my armydivided in half, I'd like to get them going. Better to run nowwhile White has a man on the bar. So, 13/11 to make the blot safeand run with 22/16.
Casper van der Tak: 22/16, 13/11.
Don't see anything else. Need to get the back checkers moving, keep forces connected, must not leave too many blots, must create builders for the 5. If White enters and hit inside I plan to hit back...
Kit Woolsey: 13/11, 10/4.
I'm leery about breaking the anchor and leaving several blots -- bad thingscould happen. My play gives me good outfield distribution to makethe five point or hit back if White jumps out, and involves relativelylittle risk.
Chris Yep: 22/16, 13/11.
If Blue is going to play 22/16, it looks better to play 22/16 13/11 rather than 22/14 to cut down White's shots and keep all of Blue's checkers connected. Of the last 4 candidate moves (13/5, 13/7 10/8, 13/7 6/4, 13/11 10/4), 13/5 looks best. Blue has a limited number of checkers up front, so has more incentive to slot the 5 point rather than waste time lining up builders (which are also blots) for the point. However, while 13/5 gives Blue a significant gain when White rolls poorly from the bar, I still like 22/16 13/11. In contrast to 13/5, 22/16 13/11 keeps all of Blue's checkers connected. 22/16 13/11 also puts pressure on White's stripped midpoint. Although it is more gammonish, Blue's 4-point board will offer substantial resistance in the event of a hitting contest.
Summary: The majority voted to abandan the anchor now. This stillseems too risky to me considering White's strong board. But 13/5 is areally interesting play. The bots have been convincing us for years thatwe have been slotting too much, and here it suddenly in a position whereslotting looks as though it violates every principle we have learned, it maywell be the correct play and Snowie unerringly finds the slot. Frankly, theplay never even crossed my mind.
Play Votes Score22/16, 13/11 7 10013/5 4 8013/11, 10/4 1 6022/14 0 4013/7, 10/8 0 4013/7, 6/4 0 40
Problem 4
| 144 168 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/10, 8/7.
Neither White or Blue are going to break from the 5 pt. Behind in the race Blue has to play a blocking game. Bringing up a back man is not necessary at present. The forward blocking game is in order. Make the bar pt first. This leaves logically 13/10, White will be very reluctant to hit, but with a good roll Blue might cover.
Chuck Bower: 13/10, 8/7.
I think the 7-point is an asset here, and since there is no othergood ace I can't see not starting with 8/7. After that all three3's are reasonable, so the question is: "which one is the mostconstructive?" 13/10 starts a blocking point in front of White'sanchor in relative safety. There will be lots of covering rollsnext turn, and at worst (short of White's 5-5 and 5-3) Blue justadvances that checker.
Nigel Buchan: 13/10, 8/7.
Blue being this far behind in the race, priority must be to block and make home points. I can't sea any further than 13/10, 8/7.
Neil Kazaross: 13/10, 8/7.
The ace is obvious..8-7..but which 3 ? Noting that we're behind in therace and that 21-18 doesn't do much except give White some jokers with 6's, I'll look for a different 3. 6-3 seems to slightly misplace one of our few forward checkers so I give the nod to 13-10 noting the duplication of 5's but also that we might cover if with a 3 and that we can slot it on our 4 point next time with a 6. I think 8-7, 13-10 makes the best use of a mediocre 3.
George Klitsas: 21/18, 8/7.
The solid 21/20 7/4 is not bad, but after close examination 21/18 8/7 looks slightly better. Nobody can say that making Blue's bar point in a position like that, isn't better than starting the 5 point (7/4). I think that 21/18 isn't worst than 21/20 in the given position. If White rolls a 4-1, for example, and tries to gain some more ground by hitting the blot (8/7*/3), he might regret it if Blue enters on the low points of White's inner board. Looking at other rolls that might make a difference after each play, one sees that if White rolls a 6-1, he would definitely want that his opponents would have played 21/20 7/4 rather than 21/18 8/7. For similar reasons, 21/18 8/7 seems to be a better play compared to 8/7 6/3 [since 21/18 looks better than 6/3] as well. I vote for 21/18 8/7 -admittedly tiny differences.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 13/10, 8/7.
Unstacking the midpoint and starting the 10-point has some value. Whites fives are somewhat duplicated and getting hit loses relatively little since Blue is already trailing the race.
Snowie: 13/10, 8/7.
I need to make the bar point, that's for sure. I'd rather not play behindWhite's anchor if I can avoid it. 21/18 doesn't accomplish much, and leavesWhite several good numbers. So, what's wrong with 13/10, 8/7? It costsWhite his anchor if he hits, and if he misses I may be able to make theblocking ten point. Also, note the clever duplication of fives.
Marty Storer: 21/18, 8/7.
I think a point in front of the anchor, in the hand, is worth the best inner-board point behind the anchor, in the bush. I'm not anxious to play 13/10, which doesn't seem to gain enough when the blot is missed. Then 21/18 is the only constructive 3 left.
Bob Stringer: 13/10, 8/7.
Dumping men behind the anchor isn't too productive. 13/10, 8/7makes a point in front of it and prepares to make another. Seemsto make the most sense, since White is ahead in the race (so Idon't mind getting hit) and can bide his time dumping men behindmy anchor.
Casper van der Tak: 13/10, 8/7.
8/7 to start with; a useful blocking point. The 3 is more difficult: 21/18 aims to bring the back checker into play. This is a little anti-thematical since Blue is behind in the race; 6/3 feels awkward, leaving a stack on the midpoint and uses up one of those valuable spares on the 6 point to go for a non-optimal point - Blue is short on building material, and should therefore aim to make the 4 rather than the 3; and finally 13/10, which looks strange, since it leaves an unnecessary shot. But the gain to Blue from making the 10-point would be considerable, and bringing one of the spares on the midpoint into the game would also be valuable. Not many numbers hit and cover.
Kit Woolsey: 21/20, 7/4.
I don't think the bar point is too important here, as I am behind in therace and White is anchored on my five point. The emphasis should be onbuilding a strong inner board so I am ready to contain White when he makesa bolt for it. Also, I would just as soon not fall farther behind. 21/10, 7/4leaves me with a safe and flexible position which will allow me to improvemy board while I sit and wait for my shot.
Chris Yep: 13/10, 8/7.
There's no incentive to play 21/20. If Blue gets a shot in the outfield, he'll happily break his 20 point to hit. Also by keeping a checker on the 21 point Blue gets double coverage of the outfield. Similarly there doesn't appear to be much incentive for 21/18. Since Blue is so far in the race, he would rather stay on the 20 point anchor than to move up to the 18 point anchor. 21/18 also gives White a few numbers which hit while covering White's 3-point blot. Instead, I believe Blue should play 13/10 8/7, making a small prime in front of White and hoping to make the 10 point next turn. If White hits with 5s, Blue will not have lost much since he is already far behind in the race. In fact Blue may be able to hit back or enter deep in White's board.
Summary: I guess I am wrong about the value of the bar point in thisposition, as everybody else voted to make the bar point. Probably they areright, but I'm still not 100% convinced.
Play Votes Score13/10, 8/7 9 10021/18, 8/7 2 7021/20, 7/4 1 6021/20, 13/10 0 4021/20, 6/3 0 408/7, 6/3 0 40
Problem 5
| 154 165 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 22/20, 11/5.
After this move Blue is level in the race. Hitting on the bar pt weakens Blues position as loosing the midpt could cause great problems down the line. It boils down to making the 4 pt or coming up to Whites 5 pt. I fancy the latter and in the process duplicating 3's. Perhaps being too clever but it looks good to me.
Chuck Bower: 13/11, 13/7*.
Once again Magriel's safe vs. bold criteria help here. Blue hasan anchor, White doesn't, and Blue has more checkers back. Thoseoverpower White's better homeboard. Attack with 13/7*. Afterthat I prefer 13/11. This builds a point, brings a checker intothe zone for making the 5-point, and takes away some of White'shitting chances. The altenative, 22/20, shifts the anchor up.However, if Blue gets more checkers sent back the deeper anchormight be better. The 22-point anchor will do fine for now.
Nigel Buchan: 10/4, 6/4.
I don't like vacating the 13th pt if there is a good alternative, in this case I think there is. I can do the clever move 22/20, 11/5 duplicating 3s, a bit to clever for me; I will plod on forward and make the 4pt.
Neil Kazaross: 10/4, 6/4.
Hmmm..Kit once said, "Assets are everything" and with that in mind I'llmake my 4 point here. 2nd choice is the 3 dupe with 22-20, 11-5 and third is hitting and making our 11 point (which is unhappy if we get hit back)
George Klitsas: 10/4, 6/4.
Duplicating one's opponent's good number (3's in the diagram) but leaving three blots (22/20 11/5) would be more of an optical illusion than a sound argument in this position. Since two other mentioned alternatives abandon the mid and/or leave a bunch of vulnerable blots strewn around, I will vote for the fourth candidate, namely 10/4 6/4. A[n] [inner] point is a[n] [inner] point and White's stripped eight point makes White's front position not very menacing for the moment so Blue might well stay back.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 22/20, 11/5.
Upgrades the anchor and starts working on the own five point while beautifully duplicating threes.
Snowie: 10/4, 6/4.
A point is a point. I'm going to have to leave some shots whatever I do,so I'll build a board and get ready for the fireworks. Nothing else isparticularly aattractive anyway.
Marty Storer: 22/20, 11/5.
Three-triplication! Opportunities like this don't come along often. I can't just say goodbye-goodbye- goodbye to such cleverness. There's also five- duplication to help induce spiraling mania. Trying to come back to earth, I don't know whether making the 4 point is best--I wouldn't consider anything with 13/7*--but the two plays are probably close. However, I'll guess that making the 20 point, along with the reduction of White's good numbers by *-lication, is going to win out over the lasting value of the strengthened inner board.
Bob Stringer: 10/4, 6/4.
I selected this one very quickly and see no reason to back off.Hitting gives up the midpoint while three men still have toescape, and it leaves me without any points having been made. Only22/20, 11/5 (duplicating 3's) looks close, but building my boardhas greater priority.
Casper van der Tak: 10/4, 6/4.
Two plays with merit: 22/20 11/5 and 10/4 6/4. I don't like the hitting plays, which leave many blots, many shots, and a position that is difficult to put together again. 22/20 11/5 upgrades the anchor and anchor and duplicates 3s; 10/4 6/4 makes a new point, but leaves 4s, 3s and 1s. But the 3s and 1s are not very good for White. The gain from the new point looks much larger than the gain from upgrading the anchor; hence 10/4 6/4.
Kit Woolsey: 10/4, 6/4.
There are several good things to do, but only one of them makes a pointwhich I know I will want to keep. Unstacking the six point and makingthe four point leaves me with a very comfortable position. Advancing myanchor to the 20 point doesn't appear vital, and hitting on the barpoint leaves me with a ragged position as well as giving White a lot ofreturn shots.
Chris Yep: 10/4, 6/4.
Blue's defense, the 22-point anchor, is fine. While 22/20 improves Blue's defense it doesn't improve it by much since White doesn't have much ammunition aiming at his 5 point.
Blue's offense, on the other hand, is undeveloped. 10/4 6/4 unstacks Blue's heavy 6 point and gives his offense a well-needed boost. It leaves a direct shot, but every candidate move leaves the equivalent of at least one direct shot. Since the offensive gain is so significant, I like 10/4 6/4 best.
Summary: Every asset counts. The panel rightly rejected the hittingplays as being too loose, and the majority voted for the solid point-makingplay over the clever three triplication.
Play Votes Score10/4, 6/4 8 10022/20, 11/5 3 8013/11, 13/7* 1 6022/20, 13/7* 0 40
Problem 6
| 155 154 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
Moving up from the back is essential in this position as White is close to making a significant blockade. Obviously with both men as White could be forced to come down on a solitary man. Mainly two major moves 8/5(2), (6/3) are left. One incorporates making the 5 pt, tempting but it does leave a blot. The other requires making the 3 pt, but strips the 6 pt. The latter is preferable with an extra man on the 8 pt and a builder on the 11 pt. This play is offers the stronger play on both fronts.
Chuck Bower: 24/21(2), 8/5(2).
You've heard the tired old jokes "world's shortest books". Well,one of the backgammon titles is "Rolls where you can make the 5-point,but shouldn't". Is this position from that book? Maybe, but I'mnot biting. Shifting the anchor to the 21-point looks automatic.Then 8/5(2) leaves a direct shot plus some indirects -- 15 totalshots which include the double hit roll 6-3. The alternative ofmaking the 3-point doesn't leave many shots (just six) but thesubsequent builder distribution is pretty awkward. If White hitsafter the pure play, Blue gets many happy returns. The 70's playsare underrated. Live a little.
Nigel Buchan: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
I like 8/5(2), 6/3(2) a lot, 4pts in my home board at a single throw can't be bad. Too many downsides though, direct and indirect shots, White owns his bar point and threatening to make 4points in a row, and with a small lead in the race after this throw 2 men on the 24 point does not seam right. I am just not sure on this one.
Neil Kazaross: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
6-3(2) 24-21(2) leaves us a fine position which can improve over thenext couple of rolls if White doesn't get good shots. 11-5,8-5, 24-21 leaves a clearly better frontal position but allows some counter play vs our back checkers (via pointing jokers) but still looks pretty good. Making the 5 and 3 points looks nice, but i don't like leaving the 6 shot and it doesn't get our back men off the 24 point.Very slightly, I prefer 6-3(2), 24-21(2) for the advanced anchor for now.
George Klitsas: 13/10, 11/5, 8/5.
After 11/5 8/5, 13/10 looks better than 24/21, which invites White to attack with four builders. Attacking with 8/2*(2) or 8/5(2) 8/2* is interesting but inferior in my opinion for lack of adequate ammo. Having the better blockade, Blue must play positionally and the best play is 13/10 11/5 8/5.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 24/21, 11/5, 8/5.
First make the five point, then save the blot (11/8) and the best use of the last three is splitting considering the strengths (3-1 to Blue) of home boards.
Snowie: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
This makes a significant improvement on both sides of the board withoutgiving White much to shoot at. Making the five point would be nice, butthat involves some concessions I'm not willing to make.
Marty Storer: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
Is this a trick question? It's hard to imagine anything being better than making two new points including an advanced anchor, improving the inner board, and putting pressure on all of White's blots.
Bob Stringer: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
White's structure is great for blitzing, but not good for buildinghis board. It will be risky to split my back men for some time,but moving them up to the 21 point makes a good anchor and puts acrimp in White's awkward structure. I think it's stronglyindicated. That leaves 2 more 3's. Making the 5 point (either withthe 3 point or the 21 point) makes the inner board looks nice, butit leaves a direct shot, and there's a second blot on the 11. Toorisky. 6/3(2) unfortunately strips the 6 point, but it too makes astrong board -- it makes Blue stronger on both sides of the boards,a very good thing. I think 8/5(2), 8/2 also has its attractions,but it seems too loose when there's a really solid play to bemade.
Casper van der Tak: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
24/21(2), to grab the anchor before White can build a strong prime. After that, 6/3 (2), to grab a new point and leave the fewest shots. Work on both sides of the board.
Kit Woolsey: 24/21(2), 6/3(2).
Advancing the anchor appears to have the highest priority, with Whiteowning his bar point. After that, making the three point looks fine.I do strip the six point, but the three point is a third inner board pointand is also part of my hoped-for prime from the three point to theeight point. Plays which make the five point are stronger offensively,but my back men might get hemmed in.
Chris Yep: 8/5(2), 6/3(2).
24/21(2) is also strong and in fact 24/21(2) 6/3(2) makes two points and leaves no blots. However the big play (8/5(2) 6/3(2)) makes a perfect 4-point board, and puts White's back men under great pressure. White's offense is not overwhelming, so Blue can afford to sit back on the other side of the board for now. Although White has 6s to hit (23/17*) next turn, Blue will often have return shots from the bar. Making the 5 point with strong offensive potential against White's vulnerable back men looks too tempting to pass up.
Summary: The five point may be the five point, but not for thispanel. Playing safe and making good progress on both sides of theboard had priority.
Play Votes Score24/21(2), 6/3(2) 8 10024/21(2), 8/5(2) 1 6024/21, 11/5, 8/5 1 6013/10, 11/5, 8/5 1 608/5(2), 6/3(2) 1 608/2(2)* 0 408/5(2), 8/2* 0 40
Problem 7
| 189 141 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 21/11(2).
Normally with doubles there are a number of alternatives. This no exception. The one approach I like to try keep away from is separating too many men without support especially with big numbers. Although not always achievable. Making the 3 pt certainly will worry White, but Blue still has to bring three men home from Whites homeboard. Blue can certainly play around with these numbers. But the rule says when in the lead run. The one man back is not a major problem and Blue is covering the 5 pt if he runs the back men all the way, and if White fails to enter then he can hit and will be in a very strong position.
Chuck Bower: 21/11(2).
I don't like the 8-point because of its inefficiency with the alreadymade 2-point, and 13/3(2) divides Blue's army. Then it gets tough.I've waffled for several days between three plays: 23/13, 21/16(2);21/11(2); and 23/13, 21/11. The first of these gets moving cleanlybut doesn't pressure White's blot on Blue's 5-point. 21/11(2)does that but leaves the back blot stranded. 23/13, 21/11 addressesthe weaknesses of the other two plays but leaves Blue wide open tosome lucky rolling by White.
The next battlefield is either Blue's homeboard (if White doesn'tanchor on Blue's 5-point) or Blue's outfield. Blue wants a headstart in that fight so 23/13, 21/16(2) is out. 23/13, 21/11doesn't feel right. You get a good roll and you end up with fewerpoints and more blots. White's awkward entering 6's (especially1-6 and 3-6) become good rolls.
21/11(2) wins by process of elimination. That back checker may notbe so hard to get moving, and until that happens it adds some perilto White's homeboard slots.
Nigel Buchan: 13/3(2).
Just got to stop White making my 5pt, the only way I can see of doing this is to make my 3pt. I won't like it much if he does, but the 3pt is the 3pt and it will help me later if not now.
Neil Kazaross: 13/3(2).
Many options here, but I'm going for the throat with 13-3(2) which takesaway 4 numbers that make our 5 point for White. This can leave us scrambling if White enters with a 5, but he still has only a 1 point board to our 4 points and will lose many G's if he dances and we then win the fight for our 5 point.George Klitsas: 13/3(2).
An extremely difficult and rather infrequent position. A play like 21/16(2) 13/8(2) would lead to problems (especially if White enters conveniently) of bringing the position home (between many awkward rolls, how Blue would play a 6-5 or a 4-2 for example?). 21/11(2), perhaps a better play, encounters fewer such problems but does not totally avoid them. Committal as it might look, making the fourth inner point with 13/3(2) looks like the winner here. With a little luck, Blue might even force White into an ace point game. This is not exactly an argument but if one plays 13/8(2) and starts thinking about how to play the other two 5's, nine out of ten times he will blame himself for making two moves with his fingers (stopping for a second or two on the eight point) instead of one.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 13/3(2).
The three point has to be made now, alternatives look much weaker.
Snowie: 13/3(2).
White is on the bar, and there is a big difference between a three-pointboard and a four-point board. If White doesn't roll an immediate five, Iwill have a good chance to attack on my five point and reduce him to anace point game. There is no need to move my back checkers -- they aren'tgoing to be hemmed in.
Marty Storer: 13/3(2).
This makes a nice broken prime, improves the board, keeps White off the 3 point forever, and gives best gammon chances. I can't see anything coming close to that. Blue should gladly pay off to 44 next time.
Bob Stringer: 21/11(2).
Grabbing the 3 point grabs the eye right away, but if it doesn'twork. I've got 3 back men 3 quadrants of the board away fromvirtually everyone else. Since it gives me a 4 point to a onepoint board, it is still very tempting, but if White anchors onthe 5 point the game is still wide open (although I think I'dstill have the advantage). 21/11(2) tries to bring everyone aroundtogether, and although maybe that's being unduly cautious, sinceI'm having trouble assessing the potential for things going wrongafter making the 3 point, it's my choice.
Casper van der Tak: 13/3(2).
Another point. Cases can be made for moving the back checkers out in whatever combination; this would be based on connectivity arguments. These plays are OK, but I like the simple approach of filling in the board, and then attacking on the 5, build a 5-prime, and run around the board. The strong board will also help in bringing the back checkers around should this plan fail; White will not be anxious to leave many shots while containing Blue.
Kit Woolsey: 21/11(2).
Making the three point will be nice if that causes White to flunk, but if Whiteenters my army will be divided in two. I think it is better to consolidatemy forces and go after my five point. The best way to do this appears tobe to make the 11 point. This escapes two of the three back checkers andbrings them right into firing range. My remaining back checker shouldn'thave too much difficult finding its way home.
Chris Yep: 21/11(2).
Blue has to balance the blitz with creating a solid position in the cases where his blitz fails. For example 23/13 21/16(2) doesn't bring any new checkers into the attacking zone and is too passive in my opinion. 13/3(2) is definitely a strong candidate since it secures a 4-point board. However it leaves 3 stranded back men and if White enters with a 5, Blue will have over-run the position. I prefer 21/11(2), which has several advantages. First it escapes two back men. Second it gives Blue 3 builders aiming at the important 5 point. Although it doesn't make the 3 point, Blue will still be able to continue the attack if White enters there. On the other hand if White enters on the 5 point, Blue will be better able to recover.
In a very close vote, tactics won out over positional play as making thatfourth inner board point prevailed. None of the other candidates were evenin the picture. I still don't have any feel for which play is better.
Play Votes Score13/3(2) 7 10021/11(2) 5 9023/8, 13/8 0 4023/8, 21/16 0 4023/13, 21/11 0 4023/13, 21/16(2) 0 4021/16(2), 13/8(2) 0 40
Problem 8
| 140 169 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/22, 6/3.
Blue has very little men to play with and well behind in the race. So Blue has to get things moving. The roll is not the best for pt making and extra men are not available in Blues outer board and midpt. Fortunately White is not well placed, and will be looking to take risks. I like to wait for this by holding a strong defensive position in Whites homeboard by making the 22 pt. Coupled by slotting on the 3 pt trying to make a stronger homeboard. If hit Blue is not in trouble as this man can
Chuck Bower: 13/11, 13/10.
Finding the 3 looks like the first part. I like 13/10. All other 3'seither stack, overshoot the 5-point, or make White's life easy (24/21).That leaves three deuces: 24/22, 22/20,and 13/11. 24/22 has the plus of grabbing the second anchor, buttakes the pressure off White's blot on his 2-point. 22/20 keeps thepressure on the back blot but cancels the possibility of making thesecond anchor, and puts a spare where 6's are blocked. 13/11 bringsa builder for the 5-point into position. Blue's outfield blots arerelatively safe because a hit gives Blue a double shot at White'sdeep blot. Finally this move doesn't leave White an easy ace-shotas its competitors do. Midpoint iconoclasts, unite!
Nigel Buchan: 24/22, 6/3.
Way behind in the race. Blue can make a 2nd pt and go into a holding game or just move up to the 20pt giving him a bit more flexibility, the only 3 I can see is to off load the 6pt and slot on the 3pt giving him a decent 6 to play.
Neil Kazaross: 24/22, 6/3.
24-22, 6-3 looks best to me to place our checkers in the most convenientspots and play a game which can move forward or backwards. The 2nd anchor isn't bad here and we certainly aren't committed to holding it should things go well on the offensive front.
George Klitsas: 22/20, 9/6.
The various plays that totally or partially abandon the mid (White's outfield at the same time) are all questionable. Adding a third spare to the six point is not far from ideal and another on the defensive five point is also a good idea. The back checker is ok where it is now, putting pressure on White's blot on the 23 point. Blue is not hopelessly behind in the race and could catch up by a hit. Needless to say, my play is 22/20 9/6.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 22/20, 6/3.
This puts the checkers where they belong. Also the pressure on White's blot on his two point is maintained.
Snowie: 22/20, 6/3.
I'm not planning on playing a backgame. Outfield control is where I needto build up my strength, so 22/20 is the logical two. I like leaving theback checker on the 24 point in order to harass White's blot on his two point.I can use my three point, and it won't be the end of the world if I am hit.In addition, I duplicate aces.
Marty Storer: 24/22, 6/3.
I've seen many similar positions where a double anchor does better than a single anchor plus greater immediate chances to hit. So between 24/22 6/3 and 22/20 6/3, Blue probably ought to take the double anchor. The shot equity will endure. No inflexible plays like 9/4 allowed. 6/3 is constructive; Blue doesn't fear being hit.
Bob Stringer: 22/20, 6/3.
24/22 doesn't appeal to me, since there's no way I'm going to keepboth of the anchors. This certainly is not time to be thinking ofa 3-5 back game, of all things. Instead, the checker on the 22point has to get going at some point; although it doesn't *have*to go to the 20 point right now, since it will be leaving soon,the checker on the 24 point should just stay back. 24/21 justgives White's targets to aim at, as does anything with 13/10, andthe latter idea also gives up the midpoint and divides my army inhalf. 22/20, 9/6 gets a moment's thought, but it makes mystructure too rigid, so that was a bad thought. 22/20, 6/3 issmooth -- it prepares to run with one of the back men, it leavesWhite's blot in jeopardy, and putting a blot on the 3 point isn'tthat dangerous, since I'm behind in the race already, have thestronger board and am protected by an advanced anchor.
Casper van der Tak: 24/22, 6/3.
Blue can play this as a two way game: build the second anchor, and then slot the 3. If hit, Blue gets a crack at the blot on the 23, and otherwise can fall back on a sound holding/back game structure; if missed, make the point and play aggressively to go forward while for the moment retaining the two anchors.
There are other approaches, for example 22/20 6/3. This would be motivated by the blot on the 23 point, hoping to pick it up next turn. Could be close, but I like 24/22 6/3.
Kit Woolsey: 24/22, 6/3.
It isn't clear just what path this game will follow. I need to be preparedfor as many eventualities as possible. Making the 22 point is a good start.I'm not exactly planning on playing a back game, but if I have morecheckers sent back this gives me the necessary defensive structure. Forthe three, I might as well start my three point. It is a point I need,I unstack the six point, and I don't mind being hit. Other approachesare too committal.
Chris Yep: 22/20, 6/3.
I like staying back on the 24 point for another chance to hit White's 2-point blot. If Blue stays on the 24 point, he can either play 13/11 13/10, 9/4, or one of the 22/20 plays. 13/11 13/10 doesn't appeal to me since it breaks the midpoint when Blue still has 4 back checkers. 9/4 front-loads Blue's builders and leaves him a little thin in the outfield. Instead I like 22/20. Although it decreases Blue's immediate coverage of White's outfield, Blue will next spring the 20-point spare into the outfield to gain more control of the area around the two midpoints. At the same time, Blue will have extra security knowing that he can hit from his 20 point without breaking the anchor. With the 3 I like 6/3. 9/6 leaves Blue with a stacked 6 point and 13/10 breaks the vital midpoint. 6/3 leaves a flexible position, with little immediate loss if White hits with a 1 next turn (Blue will often have return shots at White's 2 point blot; also Blue already has 4 back men so sending a 5th back won't hurt much).
Summary: Almost the entire panel liked the idea of unstacking theheavy six point to slot the three point, recognizing that purity haspriority here. As for the back checkers, I am very comfortable withmaking the 22 point. They can't take that one away from me whateverhappens.
Play Votes Score24/22, 6/3 6 10022/20, 6/3 5 9013/11, 13/10 1 6024/21, 22/20 0 4024/22, 13/10 0 4022/20, 13/10 0 4022/20, 9/6 0 409/4 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 23/17, 4/3* 7/4, 7/1 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 22/20, 11/5 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 21/11(2) 24/22, 6/3Chuck Bower 23/16 15/6 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 13/11, 13/7* 24/21(2), 8/5(2) 21/11(2) 13/11, 13/10Nigel Buchan 23/16 7/4, 7/1 13/5 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 13/3(2) 24/22, 6/3Neil Kazaross 8/2*, 4/3* 8/2, 4/1 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 13/3(2) 24/22, 6/3George Klitsas 23/17, 4/3* 15/6 22/16, 13/11 21/18, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 13/10, 11/5, 8/5 13/3(2) 22/20, 9/6Hannu Lyyjynen 23/16 7/4, 7/1 13/5 13/10, 8/7 22/20, 11/5 24/21, 11/5, 8/5 13/3(2) 22/20, 6/3Snowie 23/16 7/4, 7/1 13/5 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 13/3(2) 22/20, 6/3Marty Storer 23/16 7/4, 7/1 13/5 21/18, 8/7 22/20, 11/5 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 13/3(2) 24/22, 6/3Bob Stringer 23/16 7/4, 7/1 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 21/11(2) 22/20, 6/3Casper van der Tak 8/2*, 4/3* 7/4, 7/1 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 13/3(2) 24/22, 6/3Kit Woolsey 8/2*, 4/3* 15/6 13/11, 10/4 21/20, 7/4 10/4, 6/4 24/21(2), 6/3(2) 21/11(2) 24/22, 6/3Chris Yep 23/17, 4/3* 7/4, 7/1 22/16, 13/11 13/10, 8/7 10/4, 6/4 8/5(2), 6/3(2) 21/11(2) 22/20, 6/3
