141
money game
Blue
return to indexReaders Answers
Problem 1
| 136 141 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 23/22, 8/3*.
White's 5-prime is effectively a 6-prime until Blue can reach the edge.That makes 23/22 the ace. 13/8 gives White 13 shots at the blot on the midpoint, plus 52, 55, 22 safe point-on-head numbers as well as 42 and54 risky point-on-head rolls for a total of 21 hits. Knocking White back from the edge is thematic with 8/3*. This gives Blue only eleven 3's plus combinations of 1's and 2's (four more) for a total of 15 good rolls. Here is another example where hitting breaks a tie between two reasonable plays.
Malcolm Davis: 23/22, 13/8.
Making the 23-point seems to be the wrong idea, although cube ownership doesargue for defensive tactics. The relative timing is much more favorable if Blue survives anattack and makes the 22-point, or just makes it before the attack occurs. I have heard that prime versus prime is the most complicated type of backgammon game. You couldn't prove it byme. They are all hard for me! That's my play.
Ray Fogerlund: 23/22, 13/8.
Make a 5 prime and step up. It doesn't look sogood, because White's numbers are diversified, but at least this play duplicates aces. Fight fire with fire, (5 prime vs 5 prime) and get your own prime going, the cube will be an asset to you on your side of the board. Be prepared to send it back if the tide turns!
Hal Heinrich: 23/22, 13/8.
Blue has good chances in a race -- the difficulty lies in getting into one. If Blue advances to the twenty-two point, there is a choice between attacking and counter-priming. Attacking knocks White off theedge of the prime and shelters Blue's rear men from attack. Buildingthe prime exposes Blue to attack, but locks up a vital asset. In thisposition, counter-priming looks like a more promising approach.
George Klitsas: 8/3*, 3/2*.
Making the 23 point looks like the weakest play. Blue lacks the timing needed to play a deuce point game. Moving up to the 23 point is not very dangerous - both rivals have a three point inner board and White's five point prime has only one spare on it. It is difficult to be sure (frankly, I would trust even a 1-ply bot here than my own judgment) but in general I prefer to attack than waiting to be attacked , so I prefer 8/3* over 13/8 and, given that, I prefer to continue hitting (3/2*) than moving to the 22 point with the Ace. My full solution is 8/3*/2*. If Blue's tactics succeed, he will usually have the time to extricate his back checkers, and he may be even able to win without ever need to do that (with an eventual cube turn).
Laila Leonhardt: 23/22, 13/8.
Blue owns the cube so he is not pressured into finding a play that will givea short-term win or loose proposition.Creating a 5 point prime gets him into a more even position where both Blueand White are at the edge of a prime, Blue is risking getting hit with anace, but he is only taking away the ace that would enable White to make apoint at the edge of the prime. It is still a big loss to get hit. Blue'stiming is likely to suffer, but he will still have a nice chance forcompeting in a prime vs. prime scenario.
Mads K. Madsen: 23/22, 13/8.
Here coming up to the prime 23/22 with the 1 is a must. Then there are two ways attacking og make a 5-point prime. I will go for the prime with 13/8 and try my chances in a nearly even prime vs. prime game. Of cource being hit on the 13-point would be a set back, but if Blue then dances, 25 % chance, and White is unable to get a 6 then there will still be a good chance. After 8/3* if White hit Blue then there isn't much chance left, because White can easily jump over the 4-points prime.
Rob Maier: 8/3*, 3/2*.
After 23/22, 13/8, we are losing the priming battle on all fronts. I'm displeased with having to hit with the five, but it seems neccesary. Given that, we need to hit again with the ace. The only way to beat a bad prime versus prime is not to play it, and blow your opponent out of the water.
Achim Mueller: 23/22, 13/8.
Going to the edge of the opponents prime and making my ownfive-prime seems to me obvious. I don't like hitting with 8-3. This will give my opponent too many chances to send another checker back.
Snowie: 23/22, 8/3*.
Getting to the edge of the prime is vital. Combining this with makingthe eight point is tempting, but I don't believe the timing will gomy way. Better is to knock White off the edge of my blockade andthreaten to move my prime forward.
Bob Stringer: 23/22, 8/3*.
I went back and forth on this one. I think it's absolutely essential to try to escape, and so the question is what goes best with 23/22. I don't like giving White 14 shots after 8/3*, but after 13/8, most 1's, 2's and 6's are goodrolls for him. That's too many. So I hit and hope for the best.
Kit Woolsey: 8/3*, 3/2*.
Blue's main asset here is his strong inner board, so I believe he shouldtry and capitalize on it with the double-hit. Blue has the checkers inthe outfield to play with, so if the blitz gets going Blue will probablyhave time to scramble his back men to the edge of White's prime and over.Playing a priming game appears to be playing into White's strength.
Chris Yep: 23/22, 8/3*.
In a prime vs. prime game, it's often right to advance to the edge of your opponent's prime and attack at the edge of your own prime. 23/22 8/3* accomplishes both goals, so must be a serious candidate. However 23/22 13/8 and 8/3*/2* also accomplish significant goals so should also be considered. I don't like 24/23 13/8. Making the 5-prime is worthy, but if Blue is going to do that I strongly believe he should play 23/22. By making the 23 point anchor Blue locks himself to the 23 point; while it's true that it protects him from immediate attack, it may be more difficult later to move up to the 22 point since White will likely have more builders in range. Both sides are running out of time and greatly gain whenever they can jump a back checker into the outfield. 23/22 13/8 is a strong move since it creates a 5-prime, but it gives White his whole roll with 1s, 2sm and 6s all working for him. 8/3*/2* is also strong, but it doesn't look like Blue has enough ammo in range. In addition he still has the tough task of escaping two checkers from behind a 5-prime with neither currently at the edge of the prime. Overall 23/22 8/3* looks too good to pass up and is my choice.
Summary: A three-horse race between three entirely different approaches.Priming battle, attack, or a little of both? Just how will the timing go?A fascinating problem.
Play Votes Score23/22, 13/8 6 10023/22, 8/3* 4 808/3*, 3/2* 3 7024/23, 13/8 0 40
Problem 2
| 179 178 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 21/15, 6/3(2).
The last thing Blue needs here are two high anchors. The 20-point willdo just fine by itself. The 8-point is a valuable asset and trading it for the 5-point is treading water. 6/3(2) unstacks the heavy 6-point and makes a new homeboard point. The deep fielder on the 24-point has its value, so keep it there for now. 21/15 gets a checker moving andadds temporary outfield presence. White must surrender his midpoint inorder to hit it.
Malcolm Davis: 21/18, 13/10(3).
There's a jillion plays here. Very difficult! After much agonizing, Ifinally opted for 13/10(3), 21/18. It looks a little strange, but the opponent has to breaka point to hit on your 18-point, and the builders on the 10, 8, abd 6-point are likely to make another valuable point in front of the opponent, which is generally the right idea.
Ray Fogerlund: 24/21, 13/10(3).
I like to build the outside point that blocks6's and make White's 4 point. Having both the 4 and 5 point of White's is not particularly strong, but it does ensure that White will have neither of them at her next turn. With her shortage of builders, it may take some time before she ever can! Then I will focus on utilizing my builders as efficiently as possible with my upcoming turns.
Hal Heinrich: 21/15, 6/3(2).
Making the three point is clear in this position. It unstacks theheavy six point while making a useful inner board point. After that,running into White's outfield with 21/15 is obvious. It removes a target from White's home board, covers the outfield, and gives Whiteminimal good hitting numbers.
George Klitsas: 21/18, 13/10(3).
I vote for the flexible 21/18 13/10(3). White hasn't the spares to hit my blot on his bar point. Still, practically there is not much difference between this move and any other from the candidate's list. On a different mood, I could select even the bold 8/5(2) 6/3(2).
Laila Leonhardt: 21/15, 6/3(2).
With Blue already owning an advanced anchor and it being an open game,Blue's goal is to control as much as the board as possible and keepflexibility to prime or attack White, but also provide contact between eachquadrant for an easier clearing of back points.
Mads K. Madsen: 21/18, 8/5(3).
This position looks like there will be a lot of hitting on both sides,so my first thought is to get the 5-point with two of the 3's. Then the difficult part, find the next two 3's. Making the 21-point anchor is wrong because Blue don't need two anchors, there isn't time to keep them anyway. The checker on the 24-point is an asset here because White can't play safe behind blacks anchor. The same about the spare checker on the 13-point it is were it does good. But the blot left on the 8-point it hurt my eyes. So I would move 8/5 with the third 3 and that leaves me with just one option for the last three 21/18. It looks okay to me, but maybe making the 3 point instead of the 5 point and thus keeping the 8 point is right. So my second choice would be 6/3, 21/15. I don't know, I like the 5 point.
Rob Maier: 21/18, 8/5(3).
It's safe for me to say that I don't know what to do here. Since I can make my five point, I'm going to do that, then safety the blot. I don't see a need to make the second anchor, so I'll bring one checker out to the bar. The other play I like is 21/15, 6/3(2).
Achim Mueller: 21/15, 6/3(2).
I like unstacking the heavy 6-point. 21-15 tries to getoutfield control.
Snowie: 21/15, 6/3(2).
I have a heavy stack of checkers on my six point and this roll lets meput them to good use, so why not? Outfield control is vital, making21/15 the logical other part of the play. This gives me a goodbalanced position, which is important when playing this type of positionwhere both sides have several men back.
Bob Stringer: 21/15, 6/3(2).
I didn't consider 21/15 until I saw it among the alternatives, butonce I did I decided nothing else was close. 13/10(3) is no good --Blue has to start building his board rather than trying to build ablockade in the outfield. Nor is giving up the 8 point often a goodidea, and so 6/3(2) is the natural. It also fits with the rule ofthumb I try to follow for doubles -- always try to make a permanentasset. That leaves two 3's, and that's where 21/15 stands out. Itmakes things uncomfortable for White by covering the outfield, and ifWhite wants to hit it, he has to break either his midpoint or hisanchor. In the meanwhile, the checker on the 24 prevents White fromplaying safe. Great roll.
Kit Woolsey: 21/18, 13/10(3).
Outer board points are more valuable than usual in this sort of positionwhere both sides have an advanced anchor and several checkers back. Thecombination of the eight and ten points is stronger than the five pointwith an empty outer board. Making the 21 point feels cramped. Blue isn'tplaying any kind of backgame. A presence in the outfield is important.It is not convenient for White to hit the blot on the bar point.
Chris Yep: 21/15, 6/3(2).
Blue needs some outfield structure. Thus I don't like breaking the 8 point. If Blue gets hit on the 8 point it may be awhile before he repairs his position. It's not worth leaving a blot on the 8 point (or alternatively using 3/4 of the roll to play 8/5(3)) to make the 5 point, especially since White has already made an advanced anchor. The key to this position, I believe, is the outfield. Both sides are very thin in the outfield, while at the same time both sides have several back men which would love to run into the outfield. I like 21/15 6/3(2). 21/15 gets another checker into the outfield covering the 9 through 14 points at little risk (will White even hit with a 3?). By keeping one checker on the 24 point Blue makes life difficult for White. Finally 6/3(2) makes another inner board point while keeping some of Blue's structure intact. I don't believe any other move does as much.
Summary: The majority of the panel was solid for making the three point. Is thisso clear? Granted Blue does have a stack on the six point, but I thoghtthe object in this sort of a position was to keep one's checkers in frontof the enemy anchor rather than going behind it.
Play Votes Score21/15, 6/3(2) 7 10021/18, 13/10(3) 3 8021/18, 8/5(3) 2 7024/21, 13/10(3) 1 6024/18, 6/3(2) 0 4024/21, 8/5(3) 0 408/5(2), 6/3(2) 0 40
Problem 3
| 162 127 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 6/3.
I've slipped and slid between three plays: 23/22, 9/7 gets a secondchecker to the edge, but risks a third checker back. 9/7, 9/8 tradesthose two features, but my choice between these two moves is thelatter. However, "a point in the hand is worth two builders in the bush." After 6/3, Blue may be forced to break the prime next turn, but that will likely result in the diversification 9/7, 9/8 gives now. And a six allowshim to "have his prime and eat it, too!" The ugly 6/3 is my play.
Malcolm Davis: 9/8, 9/7.
I would like to make the 22-point, but I don't wamt to volunteer a shot by playing9/7 with the duece. I am going to run with a six. This may give me enough time to roll another ace, or I might even roll 1-6.
Ray Fogerlund: 23/22, 9/7.
I used to like plays like 23/22, 3/1*, because theylook very clever. However, they tend to get more men sent back behind White's powerful prime, and then yours cracks anyway, and you are dead! So, Now I am a little quieter in my approach. I make the anchor, and break from the back. At least if White hits she may have to give up her advanced anchor... and 33 and 44 and other 4s can threaten to destroy her 5 prime soon. Once again, cube ownership is huge in prime vs. prime games, and that is why I think it is important to make the 22 anchor, because you can't get wiped out with certain doubles. One can win this game either by gradually escaping and consumating the racing advantage, or, by out-priming White.
Hal Heinrich: 9/8, 9/7.
This problem is a tough call. We can begin by rejecting plays whichbreak the three point -- Blue just doesn't need to have more men behindWhite's blockade. 6/3 might be right -- after all White is also shorton timing. But 6/3 is ugly and leaves Blue vulnerable to several badrolls next shake. 9/7 is common to both remaining candidates, so let'sconsider the remaining ace. White doesn't have attackers in place andBlue doesn't want another man sent back. And 9/8 brings another builder into place for the purpose of attacking White.
George Klitsas: 9/8, 9/7.
It's actually between 9/8 9/7 and 6/3. I prefer 9/8 9/7 thinking that shrinking the blockade, but creating two additional spares, is a lesser evil than burying the last spare.
Laila Leonhardt: 6/3.
It seems easy to fall in love with that 5-point prime. Even if White rolls a6 he will still have work to do, having 4 checkers behind a 5-point primecan pose some grim scenarios. It seems Blue's best hope is to place his betson rolling an escaping 6 next turn, and if he fails then he is forced tobreak down to a 4-point prime. But this turn he can safely keep the primefor one more crucial roll.Since White has no builders it is not a priority to anchor at the edge ofthe prime this time.
Mads K. Madsen: 23/22, 9/7.
Here I see the 1 as a sure move 23/22, it give a long term winningchance, and if Blue doesn't get hit ohh what a joker 66 would be! There are two reasonably ways of moving the 2 which are 9/7 or 3/1*. To me the hit looks a bit too much, leaving two blots, breaking an innerpoint and take half of Whites roll in a timing-battle. I simply prefer 9/7, it does break the nice 5-points prime and leaves a blot which is hit with 5's. It is bad getting hit, but if Blue doesn't get hit then there is good flexibility to move safe or to attack.
Rob Maier: 9/8, 9/7.
Snowie always says bad things when I do stuff like 23/22, 3/1*, so I'm gonna try something different. It's flexible, and we may not be able to hold the nine point next roll anyway, so we might as well break it without wrecking the rest of the position.
Achim Mueller: 23/22, 9/7.
I'm torn between 9-7, 9-8 and 23-22, 9-7. But it looks right toget the safety of an advanced anchor.
Snowie: 23/22, 9/7.
My back checker belongs on the 22 point and I just rolled an ace, so itis logical to put the checker there. I don't like breaking my blockade andleaving the direct shot, but if White misses the shot I will be in decentshape. Other approaches risk leaving me eventually getting stuck behindWhite's blockade.
Bob Stringer: 23/22, 9/7.
Being able to anchor is such a relief that I'm willing to take the risk that White will roll a 5 and hit. His checkers back on the 1 and 2 points are still going to have trouble escaping.
Kit Woolsey: 9/8, 9/7.
It would be nice to be able to hold the five-prime, but I don't believeBlue can expect to do so. It is better to give up the nine point inorder to keep a flexible position from which Blue can attack next turn.Blue already owns his three point, so the nine point loses some of itsvalue anyway.
Chris Yep: 23/22, 9/7.
3/2* 3/1* doesn't look right at all. Blue doesn't need to attack White. White's not threatening anything on the other side of the board and the presence of White's advanced anchor stops most of Blue's attacks cold. If Blue's attack fails he can have up to 4 men trapped behind White's 5-prime. Furthermore, it may take a few rolls to clean up the blots and Blue doesn't want to have to break up his prime just to cover the blots. 23/22 3/1* is an interesting move. In this case the purpose of 3/1* is not so much to attack White as it is to keep the 5-prime intact. However unless Blue rolls an immediate 6 he's going to have to break up the 5-prime next turn anyway. 23/22 gets the other back checker in position to leap with 6s but it may not be worth leaving two blots. 6/3 keeps the 5-prime and leaves no blots on Blue's side of the board. This was my first choice, but on closer examination it looks too awkward. White will be able to play with his outfield checker and Blue will probably have to break the 5-prime next roll anyway. With a stripped position things could get awkward for Blue. In fact, I don't even believe that it's so important for Blue to keep his 5-prime. 5-primes are usually strong but less strong when they are against an advanced anchor. For me the choice comes down to 23/22 9/7 and 9/8 9/7. I have a slight preference for 23/22 9/7. 23/22 9/7 locks up the anchor, preventing both immediate accidents (e.g. White 5-5) as well as preventing White from attacking on the 3 point in the future. In exchange Blue gives White 5s to hit where White has to give up his advanced anchor to do so. It looks worth it. I like 23/22 9/7.
Summary: Another difficult decision. The majority of the panel waswilling to leave the direct shot in order to get that back checker where itbelongs. Could be right, but it will be painful if that shot is hit.
Play Votes Score23/22, 9/7 6 1009/8, 9/7 5 906/3 2 7023/22, 3/1* 0 403/2*, 3/1* 0 40
Problem 4
| 152 153 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 13/5.
These "Anchors Aweigh" problems (see Kit's Jan 1992 INSIDE BG article)give me fits. 21/13 seems thematic -- race is close so don't giveWhite lots of shots to grab the lead. However, that remaining blotbecomes vulnerable to attack. I can't force myself to run here.I like 13/5 best among the hold-the-anchor alternatives. The bestpoint is slotted, and the midpoint maintains a spare. I want tobe ready if and when the fur starts to fly.
Malcolm Davis: 21/15, 13/11.
Again, a vey difficult play for me. Just sort of looks as if it might be best.13/11, 13/7 strips the mid-point and leaves a double shot. The race is close. I will try to survive the attack. Very dangerous.
Ray Fogerlund: 21/13.
I am not the much of a money player, but it seems to methat escaping one checker is best. Since White will not be able to gammon me without turning the cube first, anchors away plays are more attractive for money than they are in a tournament match where I might get crushed by 44. White will hit loose, at risk, and I may be able to increase the number of checkers she has back while decreasing the number I have back. Ergo, I can win the race!
Hal Heinrich: 21/13.
Blue has rolled a poor number -- and breaking an advanced anchor witha poor roll goes against the grain. Here, however, alternate plays thatkeep the anchor leave a double shot -- and that price is too high.
George Klitsas: 21/15, 13/11.
Playing the six from the 11 point or the midpoint, leaves a very costly if hit by White (more than have rolls hit in these cases), blot. Therefore, we are left with 21/13 against 21/15 13/11. Locking up the 11 point is more important than one thinks, in most early positions. Additionally, by playing 21/13, Blue leaves 6 rolls for White to hit his blot on the 11 point. Considering that almost half the threes that hit on the 15 point (in 21/15 13/11) are already good rolls for White (like 32, 43, 33), the balance is tipped in favor of 21/15 13/11, which is my final choice.
Laila Leonhardt: 21/13.
Backgammon is mostly a race of pips.This is an even race and Blue doesn't really have any constructive moves.Leaving blots scattered around for White to hit and gain a doublingadvantage in the game is not an attractive sacrifice for keeping an anchor.By leaving a blot on the 21 point what is likely to happen is Blue will getattacked, but his position will still be much stronger than if he keeps theanchor and slotted in front of White's back checkers for a double shot.
Mads K. Madsen: 13/11, 8/2*.
Giving up the anchor and give White an opportunity to attack lookswrong here. To me there are three good ways to move in this position 13/5, 13/11 13/7 and 13/11 8/2*. The first two aims at making keypoints if not hit by White. 13/5 leaves two blots but goes for the strongest point, and Blue is getting hit 23 in 36 times on Whites next roll, whereas 64 the joker picks up both blots. If Blue doesn't get hit Blue becomes a favorite to make the 5-point, but if hit then White may be able to pick up the other blot later. 13/11, 13/7 just leave one blot, but it is getting hit 27 in 36 times. So 13/5 is the superior of the two.
But look at 13/11, 8/2* it give White only 18 in 36 chance to hitback, it leaves just one blot and it give White 4 in 36 chance to dance, which would be very bad for White.
Rob Maier: 21/15, 13/11.
The eleven point is a nice asset, and none of the other plays make anything useful.
Achim Mueller: 13/5.
If you have to leave a blot you should put it on to a point where youget the most assets, when your opponent won't hit you. Leaving the anchor is out of question.
Snowie: 21/15, 13/11.
I'm not going to concede a double-shot, when even if I survive I still havethe problem of my back men. The 11 point is valuable, and White is shorton attack material to do any major damage to the blots on his side ofthe board. My play keeps my checkers moving along in a smooth flow.
Bob Stringer: 11/3.
I don't want to break the anchor. If I were to run, I'd go all the way to the midpoint, but leaving a blot on the four point behind that 4 point prime just isn't to my taste. 11/3 is not the kind of play I dream about, but it puts me in a position to make another point in my board if White misses, and if he does hit, at least he doesn't necessarily move into a good position to escape a man while I have to enter one from the bar. That's why I don't like 13/5 or 13/11, 13/7 as much -- if White hits after either of those plays, he's also on his way toward escaping.
Kit Woolsey: 21/15, 13/11.
Any non-running play involves leaving a double-shot on Blue's side ofthe board. This seems like too steep a price to pay in what is approximatelyan even race. The danger of being blitzed isn't too severe. The 11 pointis a valuable asset, and the blot there is exposed to several indirectshots, so 21/15, 13/11 looks better than 21/13.
Chris Yep: 13/5.
Blue has to make the best of a bad roll. By default I like 13/5 since everything else seems so unappetizing. 21/13 breaks the anchor in the face of White's mobile 4-prime, before Blue is ready to make a run for it. 21/15 13/11 makes the 11 point but gives White two targets to attack. 13/11 13/7 strips the midpoint; it makes the 11 point, but slots a less important point; furthermore Blue will usually have to break a point to cover next turn. 13/11 8/2* is possible but it doesn't look right to break the 8 point to attack loose on the 2 point since it still leaves 18 hitting numbers (including 2-6 as a double-hit) and doesn't accomplish much if Blue is missed. Similarly I don't like 11/3. 11/5 6/4 is similar to 13/5 but goes about it the wrong way. 13/5 gives Blue more covers if he is missed as well as a good 6 from the bar when he is hit. At the same time it doesn't give White any more hitting numbers (it only turns 6-3 and 6-4 into double-hitting numbers). Blue's 6-2 was probably one of his worst rolls, but in my opinion he can make the best of it with 13/5. Since Blue has to leave a lot of shots anyway he might as well make the play which gains the most when he's missed.
In yet another close decision, the panel chose to break then anchor ratherthan risk fallling way behind in the race. The value of the 11 point wasrecognized. I believe this to be a well-judged decision.
Play Votes Score21/15, 13/11 5 10013/5 3 8021/13 3 8011/3 1 6013/11, 8/2* 1 6013/11, 13/7 0 4011/5, 6/4 0 40
Problem 5
| 143 132 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 21/16, 21/15.
Let's race! Well, it's not quite that simple, but Blue is ahead andthis looks like the roll to pull up anchor. White has the timing;there's no way around that. White gets a double shot but Blue willget returns. Most other plays just strip and make "too many points"which will come back to haunt Blue all too soon.
Malcolm Davis: 21/16, 21/15.
Am pretty confident here. Ahead in the race. Can't see another play.
Ray Fogerlund: 21/16, 21/15.
Now is the time to go, and while it looks nice tomake the 2 point while I am at it, I don't think it is right. The game will be very manageable whether White hits or not in the outfield, but I will be totally stripped if I make the 2 point. I won't mind being hit on the 15 point because nothing bad can happen to me... If I stay out, I maintain my prime, and if I enter, I will have return shots. The spare on the 8 point is valuable to help me play numbers that might be awkward if I were forced to play them in other areas of the board. Mostly, though, I just give White a great opportunity to miss me completely, and I will be much further along the road to victory then! White is stripped too, by the way, so a blot on her 4 point would be an inviting option to hit. Good players don't provide options, they limit them!
Hal Heinrich: 21/16, 21/15.
Blue should simply aim for a race here. If White misses, Blue is ingreat shape -- and if White hits, there'll be return shots. Making thetwo point after playing 21/16 strips Blue's position -- and Blue doesnot want to be attacked on the twenty-one point.
George Klitsas: 16/5.
21/16 8/2 ( a decent play, anticipating the probable evolution of the game), looks better than 21/16 21/15, where more than half of White's rolls hit. Still, I believe that Blue is better off sitting back for the moment and the slightly more flexible 16/5 (compared to 16/11 8/2), gets the nod in my opinion.
Laila Leonhardt: 21/16, 21/15.
Blue has no outside control and not contact points to get his last checkersaround and born in. Even though leaving a double shot it has someadvantages.
1) If not hit he will be able to safely play the next couple ofrolls.
2) If hit Blue still has a playable checker on the 8 point that will keephim from crunching off the bar.
3) If hit Blue is likely to have some returnshots from the bar giving Blue a gammon winning chance.
Mads K. Madsen: 16/11, 8/2.
In this position I won't leave the anchor, White may have to give anindirect shot. And I don't want to give White a chance to attack if Blue leave a blot on Whites side of the board.
Moving the checker from the 16-point all the way 16/5 or just 16/11and then get another innerboardpoint with 8/2 looks the same, but the difference is that in playing 16/11, 8/2 it just gives White a 1 in 36 chance shot, which is with 44 that is a really good number anyway. Making the fourth innerboardpoint will make it hard for White to reenter if hit by Blue, and it will also make it harder for White to hit loose on Blue when Blue runs from the anchor if White thereby has to give Blue any return shots.
Rob Maier: 16/11, 8/2.
Doesn't seem like the right time to break the anchor. Covering the two point is better than bring the checker into the five point.
Achim Mueller: 21/16, 21/15.
.
It seems to be correct to leave the anchor right now. Yoropponent is stuck behind a prime and his board isn't that powerfull. If you don't go now, you may have to break the important 8- or 9-point later.
Snowie: 16/11, 8/2.
Why give White anything? My play locks up the two point, holds my anchor,and forces White to come to me. In addition, the checker on the 11 pointis able to handle the next awkward roll, and by then something good mighthave happened. I don't need to break the anchor and commit myself yet.I am not hemmed in, and should have no trouble leaving later on.
Bob Stringer: 16/11, 8/2.
Another problem where I play it differently now that I see the alternatives. Before I looked at them, my choice was 16/5 -- playing safe while I'm ahead in the race. But stopping on the 11 point leaves only a single shot, and it makes another point in my board, which makes life very dangerous for White. Something very good could happen on the next roll, and 16/11, 8/2 seems to be the best preparation for it.
Kit Woolsey: 21/16, 21/15.
Running both back checkers is thematic, with Blue having the lead in the raceand the strong blockade. If White misses the shot Blue will be in greatshape, and if White hits he still will have a lot of work to do on bothsides of the board. Leaving one or both checkers back on the 21 pointlooks too dangerous.
Chris Yep: 21/16, 21/15.
I don't like 16/5. White has stripped points in the outfield and will likely break one of them. Furthermore 16/5 strands Blue's back men at a time when Blue is ahead in the race and needs to start thinking about making a run for it with his back men. I think Blue does better to directly challenge the outfield. I have a slight preference for 21/16 21/15. It directly challenges the outfield, works great when Blue is missed, and even if Blue is hit White will have to break an outfield point giving Blue some returns from the bar. Blue will be ahead by 22 pips after the roll, so it's thematic to make a run for it by making the 16 point. The other two moves look okay, but don't seem as strong to me. For example 21/16 8/2 strips Blue's position. White will then attack on the 4 point if possible and Blue's stripped position could lead to future awkwardness both on entering from the bar as well as later. 16/11 8/2 strands Blue's back men and loses outfield control. Blue will still have many chances to roll high doubles or win from a mutual holding game but I believe he does best to make his run now with 21/16 21/15.
Summary: Everybody up and everybody out. This looks like the thematicplay, and that's what the majority of the panel decided. Blue could getstuck on that anchor. What surprised me was that Snowie was in the minoritycamp, holding the anchor. Hasn't Snowie been the one teaching us to getoff the anchor in positions such as this?
Play Votes Score21/16, 21/15 8 10016/11, 8/2 4 8016/5 1 6021/16, 8/2 0 40
Problem 6
| 146 124 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 9/6, 5/1*.
Attacking looks right with Blue's stronger board, White's lack of ananchor, and White's second vulnerable blot. After 5/1*, 9/6 holdsWhite's return shots to 11 compared to 16 after 8/5. The diversitydoesn't appear to be worth an extra five returns, so I'll go with9/6, 5/1*.
Malcolm Davis: 24/20, 9/6.
Very easy decision. No other play seems reasonable. Big lead in the race.Just want to get home.
Ray Fogerlund: 9/6, 8/4.
White has split to the bar point to provoke contact.I don't want to cooperate with her sinister plan! All other plays provide White with a "target". Mine stockpiles an arsenal! After my play, if White dares to make another point on her side of the board, I can choose between attacking her on my bar point, or pointing on her inside my board, according to the dice. So, it will be dangerous for her to stay on the bar, lest she provide me with a target! With nearly a 30 pip lead, I can bide my time and escape my back man at an opportune moment. Flexible builder schemes allow me to diddle around at home while I await my wayward soldier's return home!
Hal Heinrich: 9/6, 5/1*.
If Blue doesn't hit, White has too many good rolls -- and the game maybecome a positional one where cube ownership is more valuable thanusual. Blue has the stronger board and should use it. After hitting,Blue does best by lifting the blot on the nine point and minimizingWhite's return shots.
George Klitsas: 9/6, 5/1*.
The quiet move is 9/6 24/20. But, if White points on the blot or makes Blue's bar-point, it's anybody's game. The bold move is 9/6 5/1* (my choice). Blue has the stronger board, has given the cube away, White has some awkward entering sixes (along with 9 dancing numbers) and is not anymore the favorite to anchor on Blue's bar-point.
Laila Leonhardt: 9/6, 8/4.
White can't do it all in next roll. Blue has a nice lead in the race anddoesn't want to get into a blot-hitting contest. True White has fewer pointsin his homeboard, but White has potential for quickly priming or blitzingBlue out. Put the pressure on White -- if he fails to anchor Blue has aneven stronger position and by risking nothing.And if White does anchor on the bar, Blue still has lots of game and a leadin the race.
Mads K. Madsen: 9/6, 5/1*.
Here there are two kinds of plays those who hit and those thatdoesn't.
If Blue doesn't hit it give White the chance to do good by getting the18-point anchor, escape the checker from the 18-point or make a priming-point, the 5- or the 7-point. I don't think White should get that opportunity. So Blue must hit.
The hitting play 5/1*, 4/1 is just ugly, why choose the 1-point overthe 4-point here I can't see. Hitting with 8/1* give White 16 returnhits on Blues side of the board including the joker 21. Whereas hitting with 9/6, 5/1* just give White 11 returnhits on Blues side.
Rob Maier: 8/1*.
Hit with the four before you forget, then look around for a three....found it. Making the ace point looks sexy, but it must be overkill here.
Achim Mueller: 8/1*.
The most difficult problem for me. I think first you have to decidewether to hit the White blot on the acepoint or to play safely. Then you should look for the best play. White doesn't have a strong board, and hitting will win a lot of nice gammons. So I decide to hit. 9-6, 5-1* is safer, but ugly. 8-1* leaves more shots, but also more covering numbers and the checker on the 9-point looking to the bar point.
Snowie: 9/6, 5/1*.
Hitting is a must! I have the stronger board, and White has threats allover the place. I can't just sit back and hope to win by doing nothing.I have the stronger inner board and I'm going to take advantage of it.Picking up the blot on the nine point is prudent if bad things shouldstart to happen.
Bob Stringer: 9/6, 5/1*.
Is there a worse roll in this position? I have to hit in order to keepWhite busy, especially since he has the cube. Making the 2 point wouldbe ok if I didn't have a blot on the 9 point, but I do, and I can'tleave it there while White has a free hand. So the choice boils downsto 8/1* versus 9/6, 5/1. Either a 1 or a 7 is going to be just finefor White on his next roll, so I don't want to give him a few good 2'sas well. That means move the blot on the 9 to safety.
Kit Woolsey: 9/6, 8/4.
Blue is ahead in the race and has a fine position, so I don't believe heneeds to do more than this. His checkers will be well-placed to attacknext roll. Hitting loose in the inner board risks retaliation which couldcost Blue his advantage.
Chris Yep: 9/6, 5/1*.
Blue is ahead in the race and has one man back. On the other hand, he has a stronger board, White has two vulnerable blots, and White has many constructive rolls next turn if he's given his whole roll to play with. It looks right for Blue to ignore the quiet play of 9/6 8/4 and instead hit loose on his ace point. 5/1* 4/1, breaking the 4 point, looks wrong since Blue can conveniently attack while maintaining some purity with either of the other two moves. 8/1* is the biggest play. It looks too big in fact since it gives White 16 hitting numbers including 2 double-hitting numbers. I like 9/6 5/1*. If the dice dictate it, Blue can continue the attack, but if not, Blue has less to clean up on his side of the board and can concentrate on escaping his back checker.
A clear mandate from the panel to hit loose. Blue has the stronger board,and White has plenty of threats. I can be convinced this is correct.
Play Votes Score9/6, 5/1* 7 1009/6, 8/4 3 808/1* 2 7024/20, 9/6 1 606/2, 5/2 0 405/1*, 4/1 0 40
Problem 7
| 80 118 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 13/9, 13/8.
Behind 38 pips, Blue needs to do two things to win this game. Heneeds to hit and he needs to make his 5-point. Hitting first isgoing to leave the 5-point difficult to make, so given a choiceBlue should make the point first. Any play which moves a checkerpast the 5-point goes against the goal of making it. 20/11 maygive Blue the best chance at a shot, but it will come so earlythat he likely won't have a chance to make the 5-point. In addition,White gets several rolls for the pick-and-pass counterplay. 13/8,13/9 puts builders in place for the 5-point, and gives Blue bothearly (fly-)shots at White's 13-point AND the more valuable lateshots at the 8-point, hopefully after making the 5-point. Anadded bonus of keeping the 20-point is the safety against thedisastrous, admittedly lucky gammon wins for White.
Malcolm Davis: 20/11.
Seems straight-forward. Behind in the race. Don't want to waste pips. Retainmaximum contact consistent with these conditions.
Ray Fogerlund: 8/4, 6/1.
White's position is at "critical mass", (whateverthat is!). Anyway, I'd sorely like to bother her midpoint with mine, but I don't want to provide her an option to hit a blot there by leaving only one man on it. So... I start the ace point and bring a builder in to the 4 point. It would be nice to break the 8 point and not leave a blot inside my board, but then I would not have a spare 6 to play. This is a waiting game, and I have more time. The ace point may not be as valuable as the 5 point... but ..... surprise........ I can't start that point! Any hit will resurrect my racing chances, so I am playing for maximum contact... If I make the ace point when I hit, or before... Let White try for a 5, and good luck to her!
Hal Heinrich: 8/4, 6/1.
Blue is probitively down in the race and must now surrender an asset.Surrendering purity while keeping the twenty and mid points is theright trade-off. White is stripped and in real jeopardy of leaving ashot immediately. Blue owns the doubling cube, so filling in thefive point is less important. After slotting the ace point, Blue willprobably be able to handle another roll before having to break the midor twenty point.
George Klitsas: 13/4.
Blue must not leave his anchor on White's five point- he is far behind in the race in order to run and if he does so, he will usually get a single shot, at a moment when his own five point is open and an escaping valve for White. Also, Blue must not retain the midpoint, for, by doing so, he will be obliged to dramatically reduce his chances of making eventually his own five point. He must not abandon totally the midpoint, tho (13/9, 13/8), since, in that case, White will play freely. A compromise is needed and the most promising one is 13/4. The blot left on the mid is much more of an asset than a liability (only 1-1, 2-1 and 6-1 hit and cover) and the anchor on White's five point is there to remain, hoping for late shots.
Laila Leonhardt: 20/11.
Down in the race, not really any gammon threat, Blue's chance to win is cutdown to getting a shot and hitting it. But it takes more than that; Bluealso needs to contain White once he catches him.A builder on the 11th point is valuable and Blue is not depended on having 2checkers on the 20th point as long as there is an additional blot in theboard. If White had a closed 5-point board the decision would be muchtougher because of the fear of getting pick and passed.
Mads K. Madsen: 8/4, 8/3.
Behind 29 pips after moving 54 Blue has to hit to win. Therefore Blueshould keep the anchor as well as the 13-point for now.
. I don't like the play 8/4, 5/1 because if Blue hit one of Whitescheckers that blot on the 1-point will become a liability. Of the other two possibilities I like 8/4, 8/3 better than 8/3, 6/2 because Blue must most likely run from the 13-point next turn anyway, so there is no reason to keep an extra crossover.
Rob Maier: 20/11.
Yeah, I know, I'm about to get closed out. Oh well. I'm not going to take any of the pressure off, and I'm not going to wreck my chances of making my 5 point.
Achim Mueller: 20/11.
I have no idea about the correct move here. Is it right to leave theanchor and go for your own 5-point with 20-11? Or should you stay back and play 8-3, 8-4? Blue is behind in the race (not hopeless, but 27 pips after moving) and needs to get a shot. But hitting a possible shot will only lead to a win, if your 5-point is closed. I like 20-11, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Snowie: 8/4, 8/3.
Let him come to me. White is going to have a tough time playing his nextroll after I hold everything. Moving into the inner board this way isn'tso bad -- at least the checkers are good builders for the ace point.The key is to make life difficult for my opponent. I need a shot now.
Bob Stringer: 8/4, 8/3.
Not close. I have to hit to win, and keeping the midpoint maximizes that possibility. No chance to make the 5 point after this play, but something has to give.
Kit Woolsey: 8/4, 8/3.
Blue is way behind in the race, so he probably needs to hit a shot in orderto win. White is completely stripped, making it important for Blue to keepas much pressure as possible on all of White's outfield checkers. 8/4, 8/3isn't too awkward. Blue won't be able to make his five point for a while,but he might not need it. Right now, the emphasis must be on getting that shot.
Chris Yep: 20/11.
I definitely think that Blue should keep his midpoint. White is almost out of time and will likely leave a shot very soon. If Blue plays 13/9 13/8, White is free to run from his midpoint with one checker leaving Blue only indirect 8s to hit. 13/4 is a possibility. It gives White some new jokers (1-1, 1-2, and 1-6), but gains (versus 13/9 13/8) when White rolls 4-3, 5-3, or 6-3. However the swing on the 5 jokers (1-1, 1-2, and 1-6) is a lot more than the swing on White's 6 bad rolls, so overall I think Blue loses by playing 13/4. For typical rolls (rolls other than 1-1, 1-2, 1-6, 4-3, 5-3, or 6-3) White can still play from his 8 point or 4 point, sometimes covering his 2 point in the process. So in many cases Blue will have to play from the 13 point again next turn anyway; when this happens White can make a run for it from his midpoint giving Blue only indirect 8s. In the cases where Blue doesn't have to play again from his midpoint, the scenario described above usually repeats: White will have some jokers and some bad rolls, with the swing on the jokers dominating the swing on his bad rolls. So it looks like 13/4 is worse than 13/9 13/8.
I think a better game plan is to keep the midpoint. I prefer 20/11. If Blue can make his 5 point he will have a much easier time containing any checker that he hits. 20/11 is the best move to make the 5 point. 20/11 does break his anchor but I think Blue can live with that since White only has one builder bearing on the 5 point as well as a blot on the 2 point that might not get covered. 20/11 gives Blue the timing he needs to keep his midpoint. If Blue plays from his 8 point, White will often also play from his 8 point and then on the next roll Blue will have to break his midpoint anyway. 20/11 solves this problem and usually gives Blue 1s and 8s (17 hitting numbers) if White eventually leaves a blot on his midpoint.
Summary: The pluratlity vote was to run from the anchor. I can't believethis is the right concept. Blue needs to hit a shot. Whenbehind in the race, don't race.
Play Votes Score20/11 5 1008/4, 8/3 4 908/4, 6/1 2 7013/9, 13/8 1 6013/4 1 608/3, 6/2 0 40
Problem 8
| 159 121 | White money game Blue |
Chuck Bower: 24/22, 12/11(2).
Blue needs to respect White's growing prime, so 24/23 appears to be his top priority. After rejecting hitting on the 9-point, which would give a huge number of returns, Blue should realize that White is likely to make the 16-point (Blue's 9-point) in the next couple rolls. That might make clearing the 12-point tricky somoving up now with 12/11(2) is farsighted. The final ace is either6/5 or 23/22. 6/5 doesn't gain all that much, but maybe it'swrong to move 23/22 because it starts the point White really wants.Still, most 8's finish the back of the prime for White, anyway,and staying on the 23-point allows Blue only 6's to escape, atbest. The worst that can happen by moving to the edge is thatBlue gest slapped around for a few rolls. If that scenario comestrue, Blue's 4-prime, large race lead, and reasonable timing will hopefully allow him to survive. I like 23/22 for the last ace.
Malcolm Davis: 24/22, 12/11(2).
Seems trivial. Huge lead in the race. Just escape and win the game.
Ray Fogerlund: 24/22, 12/11(2).
Interesting choices. 12/10 (2) might be thebest play, but it is not listed. 12/9*/8 is also a viable option forcing a 5th White checker behind our 4 prime, while we currently only have one checker behind her prime. If hit, then it could be easier to reach the "launching pad" on the 23 or 22 points. However, a bird in the hand... Why not just step onto the launching pad and bring the two checkers on the 12 point closer to safety?? Note that making the 11 point provides them with 4 free landing spots, instead of just 3. Simple, solid, effective, and more to the point!
Hal Heinrich: 24/22, 6/5, 2/1.
I'm surprised that 12/10(2) wasn't listed as a candidate -- it'scertainly a play I considered. Blue is ahead in the race and has doubled -- so coming up to the edge of the prime is highly indicated.After that, 12/11(2) is reasonable, but 6/5 2/1 gives Blue moreattackers and preseves 3-3 as a bit of a root number for White.
George Klitsas: 24/22, 12/11(2).
24/22 is a must. Although the rest of the move is not as crucial, I have a slight preference for 12/11(2), which leads to a more compact position.
Laila Leonhardt: 24/22, 12/11(2).
It is important that Blue makes any possible move to escape from White'sprime. Blue has only a 4-point prime with no potential to improve (12/10(2)would be short-lived and isn't listed anyway). Blue should try to avoidleaving any shorts since a hit would be likely do sent the recube at himwith very little chance that he will be able to accept.He is ahead in the race, so escaping and running should be his game planhere.
Mads K. Madsen: 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5.
First thing Blue shall not hit here, that would be asking for adisaster.
Blue's rear checker has to move at least one step. And Blue want to getgood ammunition for the attacking plays so 6/5 is the second 1, and the spare on the 7-point stays it give good flexibility.
This leaves two options for the last two 1's either move up to theprime the 22-point and 2/1 then or 12/11(2).
If Blue move up to the 22-point and 2/1 then Blue will have moreescaping-numbers 6's and 5's next roll, but it also give White more attack possibilities. And White would like to attack on Whites 3-point and thats possible with 5's, 4's, 3's (except 33 which is awkward), 22, 21 and 11 and all 6's take the the 16-point, this means nearly all of Whites rolls play well next roll.
If Blue plays 12/11(2) then not all of White's numbers play well 11,21, 22, 32, 44(is good but still give Blue 9 escape numbers all 5's except 51) and again 33, also White may have to attack on White's 2-point which is not the point White would like to make next. Another aspect is that it is easier to clear the 11-point than the 12-point if White stays on even get the 16-point.
Rob Maier: 24/22, 12/11(2).
I like to bring up the back checker, to give it a better chance of escaping. Playing 12/11(2) brings that point closer to home, and I won't complain if it blocks 2-2 from making a 5 prime as well.
Achim Mueller: 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5.
This seems to be the most flexible way to play the fouraces. It duplicates Whites 5's and 6's (hitting or making the 16-point?), puts some pressure on White's blots and threatens to escape with the remaining back checker.
Snowie: 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5.
Escaping the back checker would be nice, but it isn't immediately necessary.Moving up to the 23 point should be sufficient. If I move to the 22 point,I just get attacked on the point White wants most to make. In addition,a builder on the five point is valuable. The action is mostly on my sideof the board, so that is where I want my best structure.
Bob Stringer: 24/22, 7/5
Not going to win until I escape. The longer I wait thebetter White's outfield coverage is going to be, and so now isthe time to position myself to try. Right now, White has so many checkers back that moving up is not as dangerous as it otherwise would be. I'm not sure about 7/5 versus 12/11(2). The latter play makes it easier for those to checkers to come in safely, but hanging back makes it slightly easier for my last checker to escape. That's my main goal, and so I'll keep those men on White's midpoint.
Kit Woolsey: 24/22, 12/11(2).
Getting that back checker out appears to be the number one priority. Movingthe outfield point to the 11 point will make it easier to clear later on.There doesn't appear to be a major benefit from having a new builder on thefive point right now.
Chris Yep: 24/22, 6/5, 2/1.
There doesn't seem to be any urgency to move to the 11 point. Furthermore, I don't see any great difference between having a checker on the 1 point or 2 point. On the other side of the board it's thematically correct for Blue to try to escape. Finally 12/9*/8 looks wrong. Blue only has a 2 point board and an inner board blot compared to White's 3 point board (if Blue didn't have the inner board blot then 12/9*/8 is probably best though). It looks better to concentrate on escaping, while keeping open the possibility of attacking in the future with the right dice rolls. I like 24/22 6/5 2/1, which moves the back checker to the edge of the prime and puts Blue's spares in their best places.
Summary: Up to the edge of the prime had priority over anything else forthe majority. Seems reasonable.
Play Votes Score24/22, 12/11(2) 7 10024/23, 12/11(2), 6/5 3 8024/22, 6/5, 2/1 2 7024/22, 7/5 1 6012/9*, 9/8 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Chuck Bower 23/22, 8/3* 21/15, 6/3(2) 6/3 13/5 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 5/1* 13/9, 13/8 24/22, 12/11(2)Malcolm Davis 23/22, 13/8 21/18, 13/10(3) 9/8, 9/7 21/15, 13/11 21/16, 21/15 24/20, 9/6 20/11 24/22, 12/11(2)Ray Fogerlund 23/22, 13/8 24/21, 13/10(3) 23/22, 9/7 21/13 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 8/4 8/4, 6/1 24/22, 12/11(2)Hal Heinrich 23/22, 13/8 21/15, 6/3(2) 9/8, 9/7 21/13 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 5/1* 8/4, 6/1 24/22, 6/5, 2/1George Klitsas 8/3*, 3/2* 21/18, 13/10(3) 9/8, 9/7 21/15, 13/11 16/5 9/6, 5/1* 13/4 24/22, 12/11(2)Laila Leonhardt 23/22, 13/8 21/15, 6/3(2) 6/3 21/13 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 8/4 20/11 24/22, 12/11(2)Mads K. Madsen 23/22, 13/8 21/18, 8/5(3) 23/22, 9/7 13/11, 8/2* 16/11, 8/2 9/6, 5/1* 8/4, 8/3 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5Rob Maier 8/3*, 3/2* 21/18, 8/5(3) 9/8, 9/7 21/15, 13/11 16/11, 8/2 8/1* 20/11 24/22, 12/11(2)Achim Mueller 23/22, 13/8 21/15, 6/3(2) 23/22, 9/7 13/5 21/16, 21/15 8/1* 20/11 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5Snowie 23/22, 8/3* 21/15, 6/3(2) 23/22, 9/7 21/15, 13/11 16/11, 8/2 9/6, 5/1* 8/4, 8/3 24/23, 12/11(2), 6/5Bob Stringer 23/22, 8/3* 21/15, 6/3(2) 23/22, 9/7 11/3 16/11, 8/2 9/6, 5/1* 8/4, 8/3 24/22, 7/5Kit Woolsey 8/3*, 3/2* 21/18, 13/10(3) 9/8, 9/7 21/15, 13/11 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 8/4 8/4, 8/3 24/22, 12/11(2)Chris Yep 23/22, 8/3* 21/15, 6/3(2) 23/22, 9/7 13/5 21/16, 21/15 9/6, 5/1* 20/11 24/22, 6/5, 2/1
