160
money game
Blue
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Problem 1
| 155 160 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 22/20, 6/3.
Annoying little roll this one. Trying to squeeze out different combinations is always fiddly, but intriguing. Do we move up the back man, or make the 5 pt. shall we bring down a man from the midpoint, or leave the 5 pt and make the 3 pt. How best to play? I am reluctant to reduce my blockade and I am not going to move from Whites 5 pt. White will also be looking to unstack from the 6 and 8 pt which could also mean picking up an extra man from Whites forward play. Blue could find he will get a little cramped around the board with men to play, which would be alleviated by moving up his back man. Risking a shot on the 5 pt I could leave the blot there and drop a man behind Whites back men with the 3. Planning to spring the back man and a good chance if not hit of maintaining my blockade.
Chuck Bower: 22/20, 8/5.
Although Blue was hoping for an ace, covering the 5-point appears mandatory.Here he can cover with either a 2 or 3. The key seems to be the single onthe 22-point. What is that checker doing? If staying put, is it an assetor a liability? I don't see how staying on the 22-point works in Blue'sfavor. White can point-on-head or hit loose. And Blue may haveuncomfortable 6's to play quite soon. Blue's 20-point anchor is sufficientthreat; he doesn't need an additional loose checker adding to White'sdiscomfort. Blue's own comfort is more important, IMO. Make the 5-pointand add a spare to the 20-point, ready to spring.
Steve Clark: 6/3, 5/3.
This is an amorphous position where it is hard to prove that any play isbetter than the rather unconstructive 13-8. We shall see if we can do better.
What I want to do is to play 22-20 so that I can better escape my back men andI want to make my 5 point. So, what about 22-20, 8-5? Unfortunately thisleaves a direct shot and a position that does not feel very good to me. 8-5,8-6 leaves no shot but feels worse with us having 5 men on the 6 point. Howabout 7-5, 6-3? This less obvious play give me better distribution of mycheckers. This might be a small improvement on any of the prior plays, but13-8 still might be better.
Another direction is 6-3, 5-3. This builds an inner board point, granted itis the wrong one, but my other checkers are reasonably well placed around theboard. We leave no significant blots. Hmm, I rather like this play. I amnot sure but this actually looks like it is better than 13-8.
Ray Fogerlund: 22/20, 8/5.
Too early to start burying checkers, I think. I make the5 point and put the spare on the "launch pad". It's a bummer to get hit,but I can handle it.
George Klitsas: 8/6, 8/5.
The simple 8/6 8/5 looks best. A case could be made for 22/20 8/5 in order to keep slotted the eight point and, hopefully, make a four point prime in front of White's anchor, but White rolls first and would happily hit with most fours, I guess.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 8/6, 8/5.
I want neither volunteer a blot on my side of the board nor move the checker on the 22-point, it is fine where it is. This leaves only making the three or the five point. I choose the intrinsically more important five point despite the slight stack on the six point.
Snowie: 22/20, 8/5.
Assets are assets. I'm going to own my five point for a long time.Also, I put the back checker where it belongs. If White hits, I canlive with it.
Marty Storer: 7/5, 6/3.
I don't like 22/20 5/2, which concedes White a slight edge. 8/68/5 is in the same category. 13/8 gives decent chances for afour-prime, but if I'm going to leave a shot I'd rather make the5 point for a better tactical stance if White hits. That leaves8/5 22/20 and 7/5 6/3. I want to develop quickly on my side ofthe board, so I like 7/5 6/3 a little better. The 8 point is abetter blocking point than the 7 point; White's 31 isn't goodfor hitting; 6/3 unstacks to a good spot. The blot on the 22point isn't in much danger because White's best attackingnumbers are good elsewhere.
Bob Stringer: 22/20, 8/5.
13/8 is out, since my options on later plays will disappear veryquickly -- the midpoint will be stripped, and everyone else, except theback men, will be bunched in front of White's anchor. I have tomaintain the midpoint, and unless I get a decent roll to spring theman on the 22 point, I'll have to start dumping men behind White'sanchor, which is not the way to win this thing. 22/20 seems essential, eventhough in the very short run keeping it back makes White's play moreuncomfortable. Making the 5 point looks like the only useful thing todo in conjunction with 22/20 -- since, again, I'm not rushing to dumpcheckers behind the anchor.
Casper van der Tak: 22/20, 8/5.
What are Blue's goals? To make the five-point; to build a 4-prime, to spring his back checker, and to avoid losing ground in the race. No play does all of these, so we have a problem. My first priority here would be to cover the 5-point, so 8/5. Picking up the blot makes it too difficult to build a prime; so that is out. Hence 13/11 or 22/20. 13/11 leaves more shots (4 additional shots), more blots (3 vs 1), pointing numbers and double hit numbers; in compensation, it creates more covers (9 additional cover numbers). I think the risk reward ratio is not got enough, especially since stepping up with the back checker and preparing to spring it is very useful.
The suggested play makes the five point and a 3.5prime, prepares to spring the back checker, and leaves only 11 shots and one blot. An additional plus of 22/20 8/5 is avoiding to strip the midpoint.
Kit Woolsey: 22/20, 8/5.
There are various priorities involved here. I would rather not gobehind White's anchor if I can avoid doing so, and making the fivepoint will be valuable in the long run. Leaving the direct shoton the eight point may not be so good, but White doesn't have to hitthe blot and if White does hit I will have no trouble entering.If the blot is not hit, I may be able to remake the point. In addition,the spare on White's five point is poised to spring out into the outfield.
Chris Yep: 13/11, 8/5.
If Blue doesn't make the 5 point now, it will likely lead to future awkwardness. Thus I prefer 8/5. With the 2, I like 13/11. Although it strips the midpoint, it gives Blue extra covering numbers (or extra return shots from the bar if White hits Blue's 8 point blot). Moving up (22/20) is nice, but I think Blue should give priority to his prime in this position. In fact if Blue is hit he might even prefer hanging back, so the gains of 22/20 are not so clear.
Summary: Move all checkers to the five points on both sides of the board saysthe panel. How bad a philosophy can that be?
Play Votes Score22/20, 8/5 6 1008/6, 8/5 2 7022/20, 6/3 1 6013/11, 8/5 1 607/5, 6/3 1 606/3, 5/3 1 6022/20, 5/2 0 4013/8 0 40
Problem 2
| 133 129 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 6/2(2).
Not the best double in this position. I would like to move the back man up hoping to escape next move. Moving from the 9 pt to the 5 pt would leave a direct 6 to escape and I don't like that thought. I can't leave the midpoint yet as this weakens my control. I'll go for strengthen my homeboard and make the 2 pt and wait for the next move.
Chuck Bower: 9/5(2).
I don't see an obvious play here. There is some incentive to move the backchecker forward, but with White having two blots around, there may be betterthings to do with this roll. How about making the 5-point? If Blue cansend back a second checker, then the best 3-point board is going to beimportant. If Blue can only keep one White checker back, then attacking isthe gameplan, and again the 5-point works well. I think I'll make the5-point.
Steve Clark: 23/21, 9/7(2), 6/4.
Clearly we want to play 23-21. If we start with that premise, then 9-7(2),6-4 seem to follow rather automatically. I reject 13-11(2) as an alternativeto 9-7(2) because I do not want to give up the midpoint yet.
The real alternatives are 6-2(2) and 9-5(2). Both of these plays are moreconstructive but both leave me more vulnerable to White's growing prime.While increasing my risk in the game, they also increase White's risk aswell. I believe that playing 23-21 gives White fewer good rolls and me abetter chance to escape, so I will play 23-21, 9-7(2), 6-4.
Ray Fogerlund: 9/5(2).
The plan is this: Make a stronger board, and after Whiteruns next turn, or hides his outfield blot, then go after what ever is left.At that time I will have a board advantage and it will be incumbent on Whiteto roll well or else find herself at a disadvantage very soon.
George Klitsas: 9/5(2).
Making the five point looks best here, as well. After that move, Blue is poised to attack and White has only a few rolls that put to safety both his blots. Moving to the edge of White's blockade (for example with a move like 23/21 13/11(2) 6/4) is wrong in my opinion. Blue's blot on White's four point would be a target for point making rolls or loose hits at worst.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 9/5(2).
The five point will be a definitive asset for the rest of the game. Making it now puts instantly some pressure on Whites last man on the three point. The lone checker on 23 should be able to escape later with a lucky roll.
Snowie: 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4.
Escape and build. Making the 11 point and controlling the five point,as well as keeping White's sixes blocked, is very important. Other approachesare too commital one way or another. My play makes progress on bothsides of the board and keeps good overall control of the position.
Marty Storer: 6/2(2).
There are many attractive plays. The only ones I rejected rightaway were 23/21 8/4 6/4 and 23/21 6/2 6/4. Any of the others mightbe right. I picked 6/2(2) to improve the board for the strongestcombined blocking and attacking formation. Stepping up to the 21point is OK, but I prefer to keep my midpoint to pressure White's,and I like the blocking power of the 9 point. If I step up, Ican't keep both the midpoint and 9 point without making one of theweakening plays I rejected.
Bob Stringer: 6/2(2).
An ugly-looking move, but coming up to the 20 point right now makes mypalms sweat. If I had the advantage of a 3 point board to White's 2point board, I'd feel better about it, and 6/2(2) gets me that thirdpoint. 9/5(2) also makes a third point and it's prettier, but it'simportant to hold the 9 point, which is 6 points away from White'schecker on the 3 point.
Casper van der Tak: 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4.
Main features of the position: Blue is slightly ahead in the race, but behind a 4-prime with the last single checker; three points of White's prime are stripped, while there are 3 spares on the 4th point; White has two vulnerable blots. Blue would like to spring his back checker as his main priority, would like to hit, and likes to contain White. Blue also likes to make additional home board points. Hence:
* 23/21 to spring the back checker;
* 13/11 (2), to bear on the 5 point;
* 6/4, to create a builder for pointing purposes (however dilly).
This was my initial thinking at least. Compare the play with some of the others:
* 6/2(2). An additional point, but does nothing about the back checker. And certainly those spares on the 6s have better places to go.
* 9/5(2). Makes a very useful inner point, but unblocks 6s. Does nothing about the back checker. Better than 6/2(2) though.
* 23/21 6/4 6/2. Steps up, but leaving the blot is going to cost in any blot hitting contest (e.g., White points on the 4, Blue hits back, White hits back on the 2, etc.).
* 23/21 8/4 6/4. Look at the spare distribution! Talk about dilly! Scratch.
* 23/21 9/7(2) 6/4. This is serious. The play steps up, keeps good spare distribution, does not leave inner board blots. It unblocks 6s, and that is the main disadvantage compared to 23/21 13/11(2) 6/4 - 4s after the latter play are not as good as 6s after 9/7(2). An additional consideration: In the White-points-on-4, Blue-hits-back-on-10 scenarios, Blue leaves less returns.
Kit Woolsey: 23/21, 9/7(2), 6/4.
Escaping the back checker has a high priority here before White bringsany more ammunition down. The rest of my play puts my checkers ontowhat appear to be optimal places.
Chris Yep: 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4.
The timing favors White due to Blue's race lead and White's longer prime. Thus I like moving up to the edge of White's prime (23/21), especially since at the moment White only has spares on his 6 point. If Blue waits on the 23 point, it will only get more dangerous to move up later. Alternatively, Blue can sit back and build his board (e.g. 9/5(2)), hoping to attack next turn. However Blue is awkwardly placed to attack with 5 checkers on his 6 point. It looks better to try to escape with 23/21. The next 2 is naturally 6/4 since Blue has too many checkers on the 6 point. With the last two 2s, I don't like 8/4 6/4 (strips the 8 point) or 6/2 (the blot may be inconvenient; Blue may want to attack soon). Between 13/11(2) and 9/7(2), it's a close choice. However I think the 11 point is more valuable than the 13 point in this position (the 11 point bears on both the open 5 point and 7 point) while it's not clear to me that the 7 point is more valuable than the 9 point (in particular the 9 point blocks 6s). Thus I like 13/11(2) with the last two 2s.
Summary: On a difficult problem the majority of the panel wentafter the inner board points rather than using part of the roll toprepare to escape the back checker. I don't see this. Blue might notget another two for a long time. The offense is in fine shape withouta new inner board point.
Play Votes Score9/5(2) 4 1006/2(2) 3 9023/21, 13/11(2), 6/4 3 9023/21, 9/7(2), 6/4 2 8023/21, 8/4, 6/4 0 4023/21, 6/4, 6/2 0 40
Problem 3
| 170 188 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: B/22, 23/22.
Too many blots around from both sides. I would like to tidy up Blues problems as Blue could end up being hit twice and end up dancing in the air for to long. Half the roll is used for entry so creating opportunities is limited. Therefore I will go for safetying my blots and let White try to do the same.
Chuck Bower: B/24, 18/15.
Bar/22 doesn't look bad, except then there is no good ace. 6/5 gives Whiteeasy 3's to play in addition to the 4's and 6's that already hit on White'sbarpoint. Stacking up the 22-point seems too restrictive. That leads tothe bar/24 starting move. Leaving a checker on the 18-point and a highbackboard blot (20- or 21-point) usually plays into opp's hands, giving hima lot of double hits. 18/15 gives White the fewest good rolls, althoughnot putting much pressure on. I'm not at all comfortable with my choice;it just looks like the least of evils. Next turn I'm going to roll better!
Steve Clark: B/22, 23/22.
We could try to take advantage of White's multiple blots by playing B-22,23-22. This looks a little strange but it gives us a safety valve if a blothitting contest starts.
I can see no purpose to creating new blots in the outfield so the realalternative is to try for a higher anchor by playing B-21. I reject B-24,23-20 because it brings that checker into range of White's man on the 11point. Well do we play blots galore or do we make the wimpy safety play?Actually I judge this to be a close decision but I always was a wimp so I willplay B-22, 23-22.
Most backgammon players are secret samurai and end up falling on their ownswords all too often so I predict that I am the only expert(?) to make thisplay.
Ray Fogerlund: B/22, 6/5.
Once in awhile you roll something which is almosttotally useless. You can't even cover up any of your blots and there are nohits available. Rays rule #5 states: Don't worry, be lucky. Backgammon isa lucky game, and maybe White will roll a similar brick, (even though ithardly seems possible next turn). Besides, Backgames are fascinating toplay, and they might even be workable against an inexperienced opponent.So, make the best backgame anchor, (the 3 point), with the 3. Then what?Don't worry.... SLOT the 5 point. There now, that didn't hurt, did it?
George Klitsas: B/22, 23/22.
Cramped as it might seem, the position after anchoring with three checkers on White's three point (B/22 23/22), looks best to me, compared to the alternatives. Other, more positional moves, like B/22 6/5, risk losing valuable ground in a more or less equal race. Not securing the anchor, leaves White a bunch of double-hitting numbers and the possibility of an early strong double, which Blue might not be able to take without an anchor.
Hannu Lyyjynen: B/22, 23/22.
The position is a mess and leaving four blots gains little White often being able to hit two. I want to secure the anchor, clean up the blots and consolidate challenging White to do the same thing.
Snowie: B/22, 23/22.
My play may look inflexible, but that is really an illusion. I lock upan advancec anchor and have a checker ready to spring into the outfield.That is all I need to do right now, since White's board isn't verythreatening. The various other approaches are too loose -- they giveWhite potential double-hits which mean tempo for him.
Marty Storer: B/22, 23/22.
On 2/2/02 I'm playing 22(2). Alternatives seem too loose. Iwant the anchor; leaving four or five blots allows too muchpossible joker-devastation. I'm not optimistic enough to go forbar/22 6/5, so I'll opt for the weenie play of making the 22 pointtwice. White has some initiative, but not enough yet for me to gofull speed backwards.
Bob Stringer: B/24, 13/10.
Everything looks terrible. Ideally, I'd like to use the 3 to make ananchor, but then I have to give up any flexibility by piling three menon the 22 point -- 6/5 simply being a good way to have yet another mansent back without anything to compensate for it. B/21 and B/24, 23/20both look too risky -- everything's a target. And B/24, 18/15, whilekeeping the back men as far back as possible, gives White the upperhand by almost guaranteeing that he'll hit in his outer board and gainnice distribution for an efficient offense. 13/10 ordinarily would notbe very bright, since White has already split his back men, but beinghit on the 10 point really isn't that terrible in this position, sinceit requires White to use both of his dice and to leave his own blotslying around. In fact, I'd almost like him to hit on the 10.
Casper van der Tak: B/24, 13/10.
Strange roll, does not play well, whereas Blue's position looks so flexible. I'd like to come in on the 22, but then what? No decent 1 in sight. B/21 is to loose, same for B/22 6/5 and B/22 23/22 is too stiff. So B/24. Then 13/10 is the only logical play.
Kit Woolsey: B/21.
Nothing quite works here. I'd rather not leave a new blot on my sideof the board and risk falling farther behind in the race. My goal is to getas good an advanced anchor as I can, and B/21 does the trick. White willprobably be able to point on me or hit two checkers, but he can't do both,and I figure to wind up with a decent defense.
Chris Yep: B/22, 23/22.
At first b/22 23/22 looks too inflexible, but on second glance it has a lot going for it. Specifically it creates the 22 point anchor and leaves only one blot. All other plays (except b/24 18/15 which I reject because it strands the back men, unslots the bar point anchor, and gives White a lot of free shots at Blue's outfield blot) give White too many strong double hits. B/22 23/22 creates a decent anchor and still puts pressure on White's outfield blots. It does so in a safe manner without giving White powerful double-hit opportunities. I believe this is more important than flexibility concerns in this position.
Summary: Piling three checkers on the 22 point? Is it reallynecessary to be this conservative when the enemy has no new inner boardpoints? The majority of the panel thinks so, but I'm for from convinced.What is Blue afraid of?
Play Votes ScoreB/22, 23/22 7 100B/24, 13/10 2 70B/21 1 60B/24, 18/15 1 60B/22, 6/5 1 60B/24, 23/20 0 40
Problem 4
| 133 172 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/15.
White has two possibilities, run the back man or utilise the extra men on the 6,7and 8 pt. Blues back men are split and venerable to this attack. Blue could bring down two men and try and block the last man but this would leave too many blots increasing the danger. The only option is to spring a back man and cover the possible fleeing man. He is still in contact with his man on the 21 pt.
Chuck Bower: 21/16, 13/9.
White has a gaggle of checkers honking to point Blue's head. Why shouldBlue cooperate? 21/16 dares White to give up the midpoint. 13/9 brings achecker comfortably into position to add a new homeboard point or outerboard blocking point.
Steve Clark: 24/20, 6/1*.
I suppose I could skip this problem because any of the possible choices couldbe right, but I suppose I am getting paid to make a blind stab at this one.(Actually my pay for this is not that great, hmm.) Well, here goes.
White is well positioned to build a very nice point, so I would like to hithim on my ace point but since I have no covers close by this becomes lessdesirable. I would be happy to jump someone into the outfield but all ofthese plays leave lots of plots to be pointed on. 6-1, 13-9 hits a bringsanother builder, but my guess is that it gives White 32 rolls which hit me. Iwant to keep a man high in White's inner board so that I can make a highanchor, but this checker would be a major point attractor, or blot attractoras well.
All this is clear as mud. Oh, well, I doubt that my stab at this one will beany worse than anyone else's blind stab. I will hit and play 24-20. Thismakes it more difficult for White to make a new point while improving mychances of making a high anchor.
Ray Fogerlund: 21/16, 13/9.
Cover all quadrants and see what happens. If Whitehits in the outfield, then she can't make a point inside and extend herprime, which is our biggest fear at the moment. Many rolls do neither forher, even though it may not seem like it.
George Klitsas: 21/16, 13/9.
The interesting question here is if Blue should keep one of his checkers slotted in order to make an advanced anchor on White's four or five point, or just stay back and play 21/16 13/9 (hitting on the guff is out of the question, actually beginner's play). I am not sure but I believe the second approach is better. Despite the fact that the four rolls that hit from the 24 point are neutral or bad rolls otherwise (5-3 and 6-2), the slotted nine point is of great value for Blue (to make the point or as a builder, depending on dice). My vote goes for 21/16 13/9.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 21/16, 13/9.
I like the balance of this play. Hitting at 9 costs White the midpoint and if missed the result will be well-placed builders for my points 3,4,7,9. Also, I wouldn't mind making a good defensive point on the next roll if the dice so dictate.
Snowie: 24/15.
Out into the outfield. I want to control my outer board, and I wantto get an advanced anchor. My board is stronger than White's andhe has only three builders, so I'm not too concerned about being attacked.In addition, his threes are duplicated. This is not the time to playscared.
Marty Storer: 13/9, 6/1*.
Normally I would hate to strip the 6 point to attack the 1 pointwith only a two-point board. "Prime an anchor, attack a blot"is oversimple for this position, because hitting isn't much ofan attack per se. But the tempo gained by hitting is tacticallyvery significant. If left alone, White has many good numbers,including double-crunch jokers: large numbers to attack, smalland medium to make strong points. Any such gain by White isvery nasty for Blue; White has the static advantage of a hugeracing lead, and Blue doesn't want to let him add tactical orblocking advantages. After Blue hits, White's chance for suchgains are much reduced; he has many fewer point-making numbersand devastating jokers. Also, hitting gives White a fair numberof rolls that aren't very good: combinations of 4, 3 and 2 withoutdoubles, plus 35, 26, and 4 fanning numbers; that's 14, and 51and 61 aren't great after any play. Even on White's double-hitnumbers, Blue gets a direct shot to send back a second Whitechecker, making the racing waters favorably murky. Finally, afterhitting, Blue doesn't necessarily mind having another checker sentback. So it looks like the long-term weakness of stripping the 6and putting a checker deep is justified in return for the immediatetactical gains. How about the 4? 13/9 for safety-in-numbers ofthe three back checkers, plus extra wood for forward machinations.
Bob Stringer: 24/20, 6/1*.
White has beaucoup checkers bearing down on three blots, andsomething's got to be done about it. 6/1* takes one die away from himand gives me time to advance to the 20 point, where I'll close my eyesand hope to make an advanced anchor in order to equalize thisposition.
Casper van der Tak: 24/15.
Over the board, I'd probably play 21/16 13/9. I changed my mind though: making an advanced anchor would be nice, and the connection between the checkers, backed up by a stronger board, should be worth something. Note that the increased outfield control of 24/15 makes it more difficult for White to run his back checker.
Kit Woolsey: 21/16, 13/9.
White is looking to make a new point in his inner board. By running offthe 21 point and leaving the other back checkers where they are, I makesure he can make a point he wants to make on my head. I'm not concernedabout leaving the blot on the 16 point -- White isn't too happy to break hismidpoint right now. Also, I bring in some ammunition up front.
Chris Yep: 21/16, 13/9.
Slotting while split (13/4) is a definite no-no. Similarly 13/9 13/8 is not good. If White points on Blue's head or attacks, Blue won't be able to use the builder next turn anyway. If White doesn't attack, Blue will be scrambling to make an anchor, so again Blue won't be able to use the builder. Finally 13/9 13/8 strips the midpoint, so Blue will have to break his midpoint to hit on his 10 or 11 point in the scenarios where White runs into the outfield.
Among the other moves, hitting loose on the 1 point looks too awkward since it uses up Blue's last 6 point spare. I also don't like 24/20 13/8 since it gives White two attractive targets on points he strongly wants to make next turn. The three remaining moves all look strong to me. However I have a slight preference for 21/16 13/9. 21/16 increases Blue's outfield coverage (if White hits, he has to break his midpoint), while 13/9 creates a good builder. Blue's other checkers are safely out of harms way. Overall 21/16 13/9 appears to be the most balanced move.
Summary: The majority of the panel dodged the bullet by gettingoff the 21 point before White's forces landed. The resulting distributionis pretty good as well. I like this play a lot.
Play Votes Score21/16, 13/9 6 10024/15 3 8024/20, 6/1* 2 7013/9, 6/1* 1 6024/20, 21/16 0 4024/20, 13/8 0 4013/4 0 4013/9, 13/8 0 40
Problem 5
| 178 168 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 6/2*, 2/1*.
Blue has two many blots and very little to show for his efforts. Making the bar is the first thought. Then what do we do with the 4. Although White has half the roll missing Blue could move up his back man. But I think the double hit is attractive here, with three men in the air this could give Blue a very good opportunity to roll well next time
Chuck Bower: 6/2*, 2/1*.
With one White checker already riding the pine, Blue shouldn't be thinkingdefensively here. At the moment Blue has serious blitzing equity. IfWhite rolls well from the rail, then Blue can think about shoring up.
Steve Clark: 6/2*, 2/1*.
I have a rule which I have not mentioned to anyone but everyone should know.The rule is: It is bad luck to have 3 men on the bar. If we hit White 2 moretimes he might have a long wait before he gets all of his men in play. Wemight have the opportunity to do many constructive things in the meantime,like, for instance, doubling his ass (or her ass). Lets give him (or her)some bad luck.
Ray Fogerlund: 6/2*, 2/1*.
I find this play distasteful but I do it anyway. I canmake tremendous gains if White rolls something like 26 from the bar, or any6. Getting hit is okay with me because there are two bad things that canhappen to ace point blots... They can get hit, or they can get MISSED, thenyou have to cover em. I would not be surprised if this is not thetechnically best play, but when it works it will lead the the fastest and/ormost decisive wins.
George Klitsas: 24/20, 8/7.
The simple 24/20 8/7 is probably best. I would give a second thought to 13/9 only if Blue had another spare on the mid.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 6/2*, 2/1*.
Putting 3 White men on the roof should give a few tempos to develop some structure. If White hits back there should be a good chance of obtaining an anchor and some sort of a holding game.
Snowie: 6/2*, 2/1*.
Attack away! There is no rush to make my bar point. With three of White'scheckers on the bar, I will almost certainly have another chance to makethe bar point if I need it. Right now the plan is to prevent Whitefrom consolidating and making an anchor. A blitz is still possible, andwith any reasonable luck I should wind up with an inner board point or twowhile White is struggling to enter.
Marty Storer: 24/20, 8/7.
The best non-weenie alternative is 6/2*/1*. Putting three onthe bar looks attractive, but I think leaving the direct returnis too risky. Blue doesn't have a board yet, and he has buildersskewed up on only three points in the zone. With equal checkersback, and a lead in the race, being hit is a big setback for Blue.With an inner-board blot, Blue may be hit later as he continuesthe attack, as he must. I'd rather make the 7 point, keeping theracing lead and consolidating an edge in development. 24/20 is abetter 4 than 13/9 because it leaves no forward shots to lose theracing advantage, and it doesn't strip the midpoint.
Bob Stringer: 24/20, 8/7.
I can't see messing around with 6/2*, 2/1* when making the 7 point isimmediately constructive. Sure, three on the bar is awe-inspiring, butI still have three of my own men back, which makes a blitz toospeculative. Since there's still a lot of play in this positionstripping the midpoint is premature. That gives the nod to 24/20over 13/9. The fact that White has a man on the bar makes it lessrisky to move up, and I'm moving up while I have the chance.
Casper van der Tak: 6/2*, 2/1*.
And after 66, I double! Putting three on the bar is pretty strong here; there are many scenarios in which White has some trouble with entering and faces a strong double 2 or 3 rolls from now. Putting three on the bar also maintains the initiative after White enters with 2 next roll, and gives Blue time to move his checkers around to good positions. Gains in the race as well.
Kit Woolsey: 8/7, 6/2*.
Two checkers on the bar should suffice for now, particularly since I don'thave enough ammunition to carry out a blitz. I need to lock up my barpoint and go from there. However, the loose hit on my two point isnecessary. I can't afford to give White a chance to make an advancedanchor next turn, and I need to unstack the heavy six point.
Chris Yep: 6/2*, 2/1*.
Blue has questionable ammunition (only 9 checkers in the attack zone and 3 back men of his own). 8/7 makes the bar point. Blue enjoys a solid race lead. Still, there's an irresistible charm to putting 3 up! Blue is a favorite to make the bar point next turn anyway and many of the rolls which don't make the bar point at least make another inner board point while still retaining the 8 point. On the other side of the board Blue is a favorite to eventually make an advanced anchor so there's no rush to slot a second advanced anchor with 24/20. A blitz probably won't succeed, but with 3 in the air anything can happen!
Summary: I thought assets were everything. Is it etched in stonethat Blue will get his bar point if he doesn't grab it now? Is Bluereally going to run a blitz from here? Could be, but that approachlooks a little optimistic to me.
Play Votes Score6/2*, 2/1* 8 10024/20, 8/7 3 808/7, 6/2* 1 6013/9, 8/7 0 40
Problem 6
| 110 114 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 7/1*, 5/1.
In the present situation only one stands out. Gammons and possibly three men in the air with little risk to Blue, surely is worth this aggressive play.
Chuck Bower: 9/3, 7/3.
Blue can run, which is certainly safest for now. Staying back gives Bluemore chances to send a third White checker back and increasing his gammons.If you look at the spares in the current prime, neither is well placed.7/3 takes some of that awkwardness away. 9/3 covers and makes a 4th innerboard point, and the next one in line. Blue could stumble coming home,but that seems like a long enough shot to take the risks for more gammons.Rolling the prime has so many positive gains that I think it dwarfs thedownsides.
Steve Clark: 7/1*, 5/1.
The most likely way to lose this game is for White to make a rear anchor andhit a lucky shot. If we make the ace point, this cuts down on White'sopportunities to anchor. Besides this is the best opportunity to get 3 ofblack's blots on the bar (see problem 5).
The alternative is to bring the prime in smoothly with 9-3, 7-3. I used toplay real smooth in these positions but then look at very unfriendlyrollouts. These days I go for blots on the bar.
Ray Fogerlund: 24/14.
Tempting to go for the gammon, but now is not the time.Ensure the win, then go for the G when White's board is a shambles.Slotting the front of the prime later, or maybe even an exotic trap playwhen White runs out of 6s will be workable. However, if I were going torisk it, then at this point I would make the 3 point if I needed a gammon towin a match or something... Realizing, of course, that I am affording Whitea bit of an opportunity to attack me and find an escape route while I am onthe bar.
George Klitsas: 7/1*, 5/1.
Everything points towards making the ace point on White's head - White's other blot, the blitzing ammo and the position of the cube. Once the blitzing mode is on, Blue should continue with loose hits, at least when White enters with one man. 7/1* 5/1 is the play, far better than any other move.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 7/1*, 5/1.
Other plays may play more smoothly but this has to win most gammons.
Snowie: 7/1*, 5/1.
They do pay double for gammons, don't they? I'm going after one! I don'tneed to keep a prime, with two White checkers on the bar and a thirdone in the wings. I have plenty of attack material ready. If I don'tattack, White has a chance to make an anchor. This not only cuts downon my gammon chances greatly, but also gives White some chance of sleazingout a victory from that anchor. It is much better to have White on the bar.
Marty Storer: 7/1*, 5/1.
I think Blue's board is strong enough that he should go all-out forthe gammon. If O enters with 22 or 33, Blue isn't happy, but eventhen he has a full prime. If White fans, Blue is doing extremelywell; if White enters with a single checker or with 32, Blue stillhas very good attacking chances. Even if he's hit during theattempted closeout, he has a blot to shoot at on the other side.
Bob Stringer: 7/1*, 5/1.
Go for the gammon. I don't know what the chances are, but they've gotto be huge.
Casper van der Tak: 7/1*, 5/1.
Blue has several possibilities for more or less fancy plays, but I like the straightforward approach of pointing and next trampling on any blot that shows its face. Pretty good diversification, with 6s 5s 4s and 3s working. Doubles also play pretty well. Yummy, all those gammons... Other plays leave White too many chances to link up and avoid being gammoned.
Kit Woolsey: 9/3 7/3.
Walking my prime on home. I'm a simple-minded soul here. The threepoint is the next point in line. If White flunks I still have blitzpotential, and if White enters I'll be quite happy to have advanced myprime smoothly. Attacking plays risk awkward things happining to myprime. My back checker isn't in too much danger of being trapped, andit may yet pick up another White checker.
Chris Yep: 7/1*, 5/1.
24/14 escapes, but still doesn't lock up the game. White can still establish a deuce or 3 point game and win a race. Alternatively White could play an acepoint game (with bad timing). 24/14 probably wins the most games, but I don't think 24/14 wins substantially more games than any of the other more aggressive plays. With the gammon a close call I think Blue gains a lot of gammons by simply pointing on White's head. This creates a 4 point board and gives Blue a shot at a 3rd checker next turn. If Blue can't hit the 3rd checker, he'll likely still get several chances to escape. If things go badly, Blue will still have a strong prime. The 4th inner board point will go a long way toward securing a gammon. 7/1* 5/1 clearly wins the most gammons, while I believe it only loses slightly more often than the other candidate plays.
Summary: I'm afraid my vote here may give away my age. In the goodold days primes were everything -- you built a prime and walked it home. Theace point was the last point you made. Nowadays, it's blitz, blitz,blitz -- who cares about purity. Maybe everybody else is right here -- thosegammons do count double. Still, I'd feel pretty bad about losing thisgame because I prematurely made the ace point.
Play Votes Score7/1*, 5/1 9 1009/3, 7/3 2 7024/14 1 6024/18, 7/3 0 4024/18, 5/1* 0 40
Problem 7
| 118 123 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 11/4.
A strong prime and a secure base at the back tend towards aggressive play here. Running from the back would also invite attack. If hit Blue could possible struggle to maintain his advantage. Blue has a strong prime, therefore I will go for the aggressive play now.
Chuck Bower: 11/9, 8/3.
With one White checker back, the action should remain on Blue's side ofthe board. Starting to run a back checker is more of a distraction forBlue than for White. Stacking up the 6-point is safe, but safe isn'tBlue's highest priority. I think the choices are down to slotting the4-point or positioning the builders (11/9, 8/3). Normally when a slotis right, it jumps out at you (assuming you have enough foresight toconsider it)! I don't see that here. Slotting gives White a lot ofcounterplay (by hitting). Playing patiently gives Blue chances of makingthe 4-point. Finally, the 4-point isn't required to win the game. Chalkme up for the ugly 11/9, 8/3.
Steve Clark: 20/13.
It seems like this should be getaway time so 20-13 immediately comes to mind.I don't see any constructive play on our side of the board which attract.Slotting is usually wrong and seems wrong here. It could be right to play20-15 and move the deuce elsewhere so that we can make the 15 point with a 5next roll, but the this leaves us further from the complete escape that weseek. I will play 20-13.
Ray Fogerlund: 11/4.
It might be wrong, but the threat is obvious when you slotthe 4 point. Roll a 4 or die. Here is a gun with 5 bullets in it.... Onlythe 4th cylinder is empty. Put it to your head, and pull the trigger, myfriend. Don't forget to smile when you make this play ! When you makethese plays... and they work, you envoke a quiet sense of dread in youropponent. They don't have the guts to make that play, and it is SOobviously simple, strong, and courageous... Well, they just don't want toplay you anymore because you have cast a doubt in their mind!
George Klitsas: 20/15, 11/9.
I think this is the ideal opportunity for Blue to make a run for it (20/13 or 20/15 11/9), duplicating White's aces or threes. Other plans (like 11/6 8/6) lead to cramped positions and lose control of the outfield (for example if White escapes with a 4-5 or a 4-6). The position of the cube favors running, as well. Blue wants the equity to travel forth and back in big packets. Between the two running plays, I slightly favor 20/15 11/9 over 20/13. It's only drawback in comparison to 20/13 is a 4-5 (2 rolls) by White from the bar. Among it's strengths, is the fact that the number of rolls that make the four point is almost doubled, and the fact that Blue's outfield checkers communicate better (5's make the 15 point , 6's Blue's nine point).
Hannu Lyyjynen: 11/9, 8/3.
Can't afford 14 hitters from the bar by slotting (11/4) even though completing the full prime would practically finish the game. The alternative play is also very good, more numbers playing well than not in the sequel. In fact, only 7 rolls (11, 12, 13 and 63) fail to make a new point next time (if White misses the miracle 45). With say 65, one might prefer to build the five-prime (20/9) in stead but that cannot be all wrong either.
Snowie: 11/4.
What's the game plan? To complet my prime by making the four point, afterwhich I can run my back checkers peacefully around the board. The easiestway to make a point is to start it. Other plays up front are awkward,and if I break the anchor now there are some very bad things which couldhappen. I won't like it if White hits the blot, but I can survive that.If White doesn't hit, I will be in great shape.
Marty Storer: 11/9, 8/3.
Chances of improvement are pretty good from here, good enough thatBlue doesn't want to break anchor or slot the 4 point. Blue is aheadin the race after the play, 2 pips plus hyperpips, and unless Whiterolls 46 or 56, his back checker is under considerable pressure.There's no need for a big play yet. Even if White escapes with 46,Blue has plenty of winning chances.
Bob Stringer: 20/13.
11/4 goes for a virtually assured win *if* White misses the shot, butwhy give him that opportunity? White has much the inferior structure,and while he has a man on the bar it's time to start bringing the backmen around. Except for the all-out 11/4, anything I do on my side ofthe board with this roll weakens my structure, so I'm not going totouch it. Bringing a back man all the way out to the 13 maintains thatstructure and starts the escape which is necessary to win this game.
Casper van der Tak: 11/4.
Either this or 20/13. I like 11/4 to resolve the situation on Blue's side of the board; even if hit, Blue's game is OK, with the strong anchor and White's poor checker distrubition. If not hit, well... In contrast, 20/13 leaves some jokers, and gives up the anchor. White likes to hit after 20/13, because in a blot hitting contest his poor checker distribution does not count as heavily against him. 20/13 is likely to win more games, but 11/4 wins more gammons, and sufficiently to compensate, I think.
The other plays:
* 20/18 20/15 allows White to hit outside, reducing the number of returns. Must be worse than 20/13.
* 20/15 11/9 leaves a 54 joker, but in compensation creates an additional builder for the 4 point. Somehow it does not feel right, although I have trouble articulating why I like this less than 20/13. Maybe the idea, once breaking anchor, should be to run the checkers home. Also, White would pefer to hit outside, and 20/13 duplicates the entering and hitting 1s, whereas 20/15 creates 3s, a non entering number. Of course, 20/15 has the advantage of leaving some return after the White hits on the scenarios, but the 5s for hitting and entering and making the anchor are duplicated, so that does not gain too much.
* 20/15 8/6 does not leave the 54 joker, but strips the 8. Then I prefer 20/15 11/9.
* 11/6 8/6 does not address the main issues in the position: Blue should either run now, or prepare to improve the position sufficiently to be able to run in even greater safety in the near future. A roll wasted, I would say.
* 11/9 8/3 Even worse; strips the 8, leaves a 54 joker, creates a dilly builder.
So I guess my ranking is 11/4, followed by 20/13, 20/15 11/9, 20/15 8/6, 20/18 20/15, 11/6 8/6 and 11/9 8/3 last. Maybe 20/13 is better than 11/4; don't know.
Kit Woolsey: 11/4.
The race is close, and I will need my four point if I am goingto contain White's back checker. Since I don't have a comfortableway to play the roll safely, I believe the best bet is to simplyslot the four point now. If I get away with it, I will have a verysolid advantage. If I am hit, I still have potential to recover. Thevarious running plays risk bad things happening on the other side of theboard without adequate compensation.
Chris Yep: 11/4.
Blue has unfavorable timing (the race is even, but Blue has 2 back men) and White has control of the outfield. Blue can solve both these problems, however, if he wins the battle for his 4 point to make a full 6-prime. Slotting an inner board point against a checker on the bar is often wrong, but here there are several compelling arguments for it. First the gains (a full 6-prime vs. a broken 5-prime), if Blue is not hit, are large. Second Blue has two direct numbers to cover (he can also cover with 3s if necessary). Third, and probably most important, the losses from being hit are not that great. White will control the outfield, but he generally already controlled the outfield after any of Blue's other plays. Blue will have to re-enter, but White only has a weak 3 point board (including 3 checkers on his 2 point) and is not likely to improve it in the near-future. Blue also has an advanced anchor, so any back men are unlikely to get trapped. Furthermore having a 3rd checker back, while not desirable, at least affords Blue with more of a presence in covering White's outfield. All things considered I believe the gains from slotting the 4 point are worth the risks. I like 11/4.
Summary: The bots have been continuously weaning us away fromunnecessary slotting, but sometimes slotting is necessary. The majorityof the panel recognized that this is one of those times. It is interestingto see that Snowie joins the ranks of the slotters.
Play Votes Score11/4 6 10011/9, 8/3 3 8020/13 2 7020/15, 11/9 1 6020/18, 20/15 0 4020/15, 8/6 0 4011/6, 8/6 0 40
Problem 8
| 149 160 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 10/5, 10/4.
Level on pts Blue is covering a lot of the board. Unfortunately this number could break that cover. However there is a strong need to stop White from escaping his last man from Blues home board. I think running from the back is not ideal leaving two blots split. Breaking from the mid point is also not good weakening the positional game. I will go for bringing in two men down from the 10 pt building my inner board hoping to contain whilst covering the outer board.
Chuck Bower: 21/15, 6/1*.
Hitting on the 11-point was Blue's first intent. Breaking a blockingpoint was his last. White has a worse homeboard, a race lead, and onechecker back. Safe-vs-bold points toward BOLD. With two builders on the6-point, Blue can afford to gamble with one. White's blot on his14-point (Blue's 11-point) was, and still is vulnerable. Blue should goall out to try and send it back. Blue has a solid position to buildupon, and even when the dice go White's way, he will have a lot of play(interpret: "cube taking potential"). 21/15, 6/1*.
Steve Clark: 21/15, 6/1*.
One time in this quiz way back when, kit left the best play off of thepossible choices. Here he seems to have done so again because my play is22-11. Oh, well, I guess I will have to stick to the selections he allows.(I wanted to play 22/11* also, but that GG client just wouldn't let me do it -- KW)
None of the point busting plays on my side of the board look very good. Noneof them are very constructive and all of them allow White multi chances for agood roll. This seems to leave 6-1, 21-15 or 21-10. 21-10 could be right butit also seems to give White many good rolls while not accomplishing verymuch; we still will have 2 man back. I hit on the ace point much less oftenthan most backgammon players but I seem to have gone wild in 6-1 plays in thisproblem set. I will hit again with 21-15, 6-1. We do have the strongerboard. This is always a powerful argument for hitting when looking at adifficult problem.
Ray Fogerlund: 21/10.
Everything else involves sacrificing my position, or extrarisk. After running, I hold everything and the race is even. I add abuilder for the bar and 4 points, and I continue to threaten White in theoutfield. I might get pointed on, but it will only set me back a few pips,which might easily be regained by entering with a hitting two... Often wemust create extra winning chances with our play, but probably more often itis important not to transfer added winning chances to our opponent with ourplays.
George Klitsas: 21/10.
Despite being slightly behind in the race, Blue should play as if he were well ahead (21/10). The deviation from the well known rule "when behind, don't run" is justified here, because all other moves involve leaving very costly, if hit, direct shots.
Hannu Lyyjynen: 21/10.
All other plays leave a blot for White to shoot at for little gain. 21/10 makes the race even, at least.
Snowie: 21/10.
Anybody got any better ideas? Break the midpoint or break the ten point,leaving a direct shot in the process? No way! Those assets are too difficultto come by to abandon lightly. My back checkers really aren't in muchdanger with White having no board and only three builders. I wouldlike to hold the anchor if there were a convenient way to do so, butthere simply isn't one.
Marty Storer: 21/15, 6/1*.
White is ahead in the race and has a weaker board; Blue hasmore checkers back. All this points to a bold play. Actually,any play is bold; alternatives have many drawbacks, but I thinkhitting stands to gain the most. 21/10 would be my second choice,but I don't want to break anchor without also gaining a tempo.I'll mix things up; maybe White will fan.
Bob Stringer: 21/10.
I don't like breaking the anchor, but I can't see anything else.Taking the rest of the possible moves in order: 21/15 still breaks theanchor, but trades a useful man on the 6 point for a blot on the acewhen a blitz doesn't seem to be in the picture. 13/8, 13/7 gives upthe midpoint, gives White a shot and in general gives him a chance tobuild up an advantage in a hurry - since White has only one man backto my three, he's not in bad shape even if he doesn't hit. 13/7, 6/1*looks like way too macho an attempt to blitz. And 10/5, 10/4 gives upa decent point and may simply make it easier for White to escape.
Casper van der Tak: 21/10.
Normally I'd hit 22/11*, but something appears to be in the way. Pipcounter after the play is 149-149, so getting hit is costly for Blue. Count out the slotting plays; also count out the hitting plays. Remains 21/10. This risks being pointed on, but Blue may hit back on the 11.
In a blot hitting context (Assuming White hits loose or double hits), Blue has two assets (currently) a stronger board; good quality points, and the blot hitting would be on White's side of the board mostly, so Blue gains in the race on balance. If White does not hit loose, points, or double hits, Blue can make new points or remake the anchor.
Kit Woolsey: 21/10.
An ugly roll which doesn't seem to work. The various slotting playsrisk losing too much, and even if they work I still have the problem ofthe three back checkers. Since I don't want those checkersstuck behind a blockade anyway, I believe it makes most sense to giveup the anchor and run one of them into the attacking zone. White doesn'thave too many attackers, and even if he points on me I'm not inbad shape. Leaving the anchor isn't ideal; its just that everythingelse looks worse.
Chris Yep: 21/10.
Blue's midpoint is a key point since it provides a link for his 3 back men as well as a last defense against White escaping with his back man. I don't think Blue gains enough to justify breaking it. For example 13/8 13/7 slots a 4-prime (or a broken 5-prime, if Blue can cover with a 1 next turn). However, White will build a prime of his own and with 3 back men to White's 1, Blue will have the worse of the timing. 13/7 6/1* on the other hand is too loose since a blitz is unlikely to succeed and it gives White most 1s and 2s to hit back from the bar. 10/5 10/4 trades the 10 point for a slot of the 4 point, which doesn't look like a good trade. 21/15 6/1* is interesting, but as with 13/7 6/1* too loose since it gives White most 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s to hit back from the bar (although Blue will often have return shots from the bar). In addition if Blue is missed it will be harder than normal for him to safety since he also has to be concerned about re-establishing an anchor. By process of elimination I prefer 21/10, which leaves a solid position which at least puts a spare on the 10 point and keeps the key outfield points intact. Its downside is that it breaks the anchor, but this is probably not a serious downside. Since White has only 1 man back and Blue has a stronger board, White will probably not be attacking next turn.
Summary: Anchors aweigh! Sometimes you just gotta do it. Everythingelse is too ugly for words.
Play Votes Score21/10 8 10021/15, 6/1* 3 8010/5, 10/4 1 6013/8, 13/7 0 4013/7, 6/1* 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 22/20, 6/3 6/2(2) B/22, 23/22 24/15 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 11/4 10/5, 10/4Chuck Bower 22/20, 8/5 9/5(2) B/24, 18/15 21/16, 13/9 6/2*, 2/1* 9/3, 7/3 11/9, 8/3 21/15, 6/1*Steve Clark 6/3, 5/3 23/21, 9/7(2), 6/4 B/22, 23/22 24/20, 6/1* 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 20/13 21/15, 6/1*Ray Fogerlund 22/20, 8/5 9/5(2) B/22, 6/5 21/16, 13/9 6/2*, 2/1* 24/14 11/4 21/10George Klitsas 8/6, 8/5 9/5(2) B/22, 23/22 21/16, 13/9 24/20, 8/7 7/1*, 5/1 20/15, 11/9 21/10Hannu Lyyjynen 8/6, 8/5 9/5(2) B/22, 23/22 21/16, 13/9 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 11/9, 8/3 21/10Snowie 22/20, 8/5 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4 B/22, 23/22 24/15 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 11/4 21/10Marty Storer 7/5, 6/3 6/2(2) B/22, 23/22 13/9, 6/1* 24/20, 8/7 7/1*, 5/1 11/9, 8/3 21/15, 6/1*Bob Stringer 22/20, 8/5 6/2(2) B/24, 13/10 24/20, 6/1* 24/20, 8/7 7/1*, 5/1 20/13 21/10Casper van der Tak 22/20, 8/5 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4 B/24, 13/10 24/15 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 11/4 21/10Kit Woolsey 22/20, 8/5 23/21, 9/7(2), 6/4 B/21 21/16, 13/9 8/7, 6/2* 9/3 7/3 11/4 21/10Chris Yep 13/11, 8/5 23/21, 13/11(2), 6/4 B/22, 23/22 21/16, 13/9 6/2*, 2/1* 7/1*, 5/1 11/4 21/10
