solb037m.htm | Gammonline - Backgammon Resources

Chuck Bower: 24/21, 13/7.
Many similarities here to problem 5, again calling for a bold play.Unstack the heavy midpoint with 13/7. This time splitting withthe 3 is more attractive, partly because some of White's hitting numbers are duplicated and partly because there aren't goodalternative 3's. 13/10 would be my second choice.

George Klitsas: 24/18, 13/10.
With the much better board and White's undeveloped position, some kind of "action" play is mandatory, therefore 24/18 looks like the half part of the move. The other half must be chosen between 8/5 and the more flexible 13/10. After 24/18 13/10 (my solution) White hits the blot on the 10 point only with 61 and 43, and 61 is duplicated, making White's bar point on Blue's head. It's very close anyway. Interesting is also the minor split 24/21 combined with 13/7, if one notices the awkward hits 41, 46 and the duplication of the hitting 31.

Laila Leonhardt: 24/18, 8/5.
With the one point made, blitz is the preferred strategy and combined with outfield control to keep contact with White's blot or get the opportunity to get White to open another blot

Snowie: 24/18, 13/10.
I have the stronger inner board and White has one man back, so I can seeno reason not to spread my checkers around. This play covers all parts ofthe board and maximizes my chances to improve next turn.

Marty Storer: 24/18, 13/10.
Blue can try for contact, anchorage, and containment all atthe same time. 24/18 controls White's outfield and slotsthe 18 point. 13/10 creates a potentially valuable builder;8/5 is all right but too much frontload for my taste. Therace is close, and 24/18 13/10 isn't quite as big as 13/724/21, which is extremely aggressive but allows the dreadedsimultaneous hit-escape with most of White's 4's. The hit-escape gains many pips, while White's hits after 24/18 13/10gain fewer. Still, though it's a slot-and-split, 13/7 24/21is a good thematic contact-seeking play, so it has to be strong.24/15 is also good, playing to escape and restrain, while cuttingshots compared to the other plays. Take your pick--but mine is24/18 13/10.

Bob Stringer: 24/18, 13/10.
White hasn't made any points, and so I'm playing this like anopening roll, maximizing my coverage of the board.

Casper van der Tak: 13/7, 8/5.
White is stacked up front, and would love to hit while slotting key points and/or bringing builders in play. So Blue is not touching any of the back checkers. Blue wants White expose more blots, than launch an attack. To launch the attack, Blue should bring in additional material and diversify. Since Blue has a reasonable standing in the race, Blue should not leave too many shots and blots. I like 13/7 8/5 best, followed by 13/7 13/10 and 13/4, in that order.

Kit Woolsey: 24/15.
I don't like running part-way with all those White checkers piledon the eight point. My play double-covers my outer board and bringsmore potential ammunition into play for the future.

Chris Yep: 24/18, 13/10.
As in problem 5, due to White's weak development, Blue can play aggressively. I like 24/18 13/10 and 24/21 13/7. Both moves slot key points and exert control over the outfield. Between these two moves I have a slight preference for 24/18 13/10. 24/21 13/7 attempts to prime White, but Blue is not well placed for a priming game since he's already made his ace point. Also, I prefer 24/18 to 24/21 since 24/18 covers more of the outfield.

Summary: The majority of the panel took advantage of White's weakboard and made the standard opening play, covering all parts of theboard. Definitely reasonable.