109
money game
Blue
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Problem 1
| 110 109 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 11/9(2).
Blue will hope to hit when White runs very soon. Therefore I would keep my back men as far back as possible. Moving men in Blues homeboard buries them too deep. I would bring down the two men on the 11 pt, closer to White on the 5 pt. Also covering the blot on the 3 pt.
Chuck Bower: 11/9(2).
White is going to have trouble with 6's. 11/9(2) still blocks,gives Blue available numbers to play, and especially providescovers for the 3-point. In a close race, hold the structure andkeep the pressure on.
Doug Doub: 11/9(2).
It is not at all clear what is going to work best. Theprimary choice is whether to hold the 11pt, to give maximum restraint to themen on our 5pt, or stay back on the 18pt to produce the best possiblecoverage of the opponent's outfield.
The race is virtually even, and so does not strongly suggest eitherapproach. I prefer moving two men to the 9pt. By doing so, we are likelyto be able to break that point cleanly, and then use those men to fill inour home board. This will allow our opponent to jump off of his anchor, butit does not figure to be easy for him to get those men around and past ourback men safely.
Neil Kazaross: 11/9(2).
Oops...we have no way to make our 3 point and keep a 4 pt board sowe'll need to look in the outfield to find this play.I think I found it since both sides are constrained.11-9(2) looks clear to me to give us some more possible flexibility and to act as builders for the 3 point while still keeping White under pressure. If we were well ahead in the race, I might move from the 18 point, but not here.
George Klitsas: 11/9(2).
I like the pattern after 11/9(2). It's White that has more problems here and for that reason, it's a good idea for Blue not to move from the 18 point. If White rolls a 6-1, a 6-2 or a 6-4 and plays from the mid, Blue will have 17 shots against the man on his 12 point, compared to 15, if Blue had played 18/16(2). A minor consideration is that, after 11/9(2), Blue will be able in many variations to make his 3 point with a six, in general an awkward number.
Snowie: 11/9(2).
This is a matter of looking toward the future. I can handle things for thenext couple of rolls, but after that things could get awkward and I may haveto clear the point in my outer board. Hanging back as far as possible onWhite's bar point seems right, so I maximize my chances of picking offanything which moves.
Marty Storer: 11/9(2).
This prepares to improve the board, which is important.The 18 point is a good base for long-term contact, and switching tothe 9 point not only aims to cover the 3 point but helps gain timingto keep the 18 point. It's more important to keep the 18 point thanto keep the 11. Neither 18/16(2) nor the mixed 18/17(2) 11/10(2) seemsufficient.
Bob Stringer: 11/9(2).
Either the 18 point or the 11 point has to move in order to forceWhite to play a 6. But not both, since I don't want to give Whitetoo many choices. I'd like to force him to break the anchor ratherthan the midpoint, since that will create the greatest opportunityfor shots, and might even yield a close-out. The question, then,is whether to move two points or just one. I'd prefer to move justone, since the more room there is in front of the point the moredifficult White's life is. However, both 11/10(2), 4/3, 2/1 and11/10(2), 3/1 make my inner board worse, and so I'll move up tothe 9 point.
Casper van der Tak: 11/9(2)
The timing in this position could go either way, but is most likely in favor of Blue. The race is very close, and is not an important factor in deciding on the move. Blue should find the move that (a) maximizes his timing, and (b) allows to benefit maximally if White is forced to make his move first. With 11/9 (2), Blue creates additional covers for the blot on the three-point (objective b), and makes is easy to play with his outfield checkers (any combination of 6s, 5s, 3s and 2s, plus 11, and 44 is OK as well of course), hence enhancing his timing (objective a). Got to be right.
Kit Woolsey: 18/17(2), 11/10(2).
I think I need to move the checkers on the 11 point in somewhat so I will beable to clear that point if necessary. However, moving them all theway in with 11/9(20 gives White 6-5 to escape with. I'd rather notharm my board if I don't need to. 18/17(2), 11/10(2) has the additionaladvantage of ruining my opponent if he rolls 5-5. Of course that happens for mealso, but he goes first.
Chris Yep: 11/9(2).
Blue has a number of ways to shuffle outfield points and prepare to build a board next turn. I like 11/9(2) which leaves only one inner board blot and gives Blue 4 builders aiming at the slotted point. No other move does this much. Additionally the race is essentially even, but due to Blue's more advanced anchor, Blue has a timing advantage. Thus there is no immediate urgency to move the checkers on the 18 point. White will likely be the first to break a key point (his 20 or 13), at which point Blue will often be able to control the outfield (possibly hitting in the process) or attack (if White leaves his anchor).
Summary: The rest of the panel didn't find this problem nearly asperplexing as I did, since they all played 11/9(2) in order to maximizetheir timing. I can't say they are wrong, but it still isn't obviousto me.
Play Votes Score11/9(2) 11 10018/17(2), 11/10(2) 1 6018/16(2) 0 4018/17(2), 4/3, 2/1 0 4018/17(2), 3/1 0 4011/10(2), 4/3, 2/1 0 4011/10(2), 3/1 0 404/3, 4/1 0 40
Problem 2
| 135 158 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 8/4*, 6/1*.
Blue can do nothing objectively with this throw. Whites innerboard is stronger. Blue is behind in the race. Exposing Blues men will happen on all the available moves. In for a penny in for a pound. Hit both and hope.
Chuck Bower: 13/4*.
Safe isn't an option. Might as well put White on the bar andgo for a good point. I can't see any other 4 than 8/4*. Afterthat, 6/1* is tempting but one less blot and staying off theacepoint leads me towards 13/8. Blue may get blown off themap, but White's 4's are duplicated and, if hit, maybe Bluecan roll a deuce in the next couple of rolls.
Doug Doub: 8/4*, 6/1*.
Running with 23-14 is a possibility, but it seems wrongto attempt to race when we are trailing by this much. So, I hit with 8-4and then consider what to do with the five. 13-8 is certainly reasonable,but the second hit on the ace point does several good things. It reducesthe chance that the blot on our 4pt will be hit. It preserves a secondspare on our midpoint while unstacking our 6pt. Perhaps most importantly,it protects our blots in White's home board, giving us a good chance ofmaking an anchor if we are hit back.
Neil Kazaross: 8/4*, 6/1*.
Well...we are behind in the race and cannot run to safety anywhereand are in danger of being blitzed. It looks like we should hit and pray, so I'll play 8-4x and then look around for the 5. 13-8 looks like a nice 5, but the missing 6's from the bar play well with the counter loose hit on our 23 point. This makes 13-8 not look so good. We can hop 21-16 after our loose hit, but that still leaves those counter attacking 6's and doesn't come close to solving any problems. So..I've settled on the double hit 8/4x, 6/1x as my choice here. Perhaps something good will happen and this play simply hopes to be missed (15 times) and roll a better shot next roll.
George Klitsas: 8/4*, 6/1*.
23/14 is passive. Being behind in the race and in danger of being attacked by White, Blue should try to mix things up with 8/4* 6/1*. In the ensuing melee, with White struggling to enter with both of his blots - and, who knows, White might even dance-, Blue might be able to make the defensive two or four point or both. The more positional 13/4* is slightly weaker in my opinion.
Snowie: 8/4*, 6/1*.
My checkers in White's board need a lot of protection or they will bepounded on. The double-hit gives me some time to breathe. If Whitedoesn't hit I may be able to mount a surprise attack, and if White does hit Iwill have more ways to make an anchor. This is better than playing passivelyand getting closed out.
Marty Storer: 8/4*, 6/1*.
Behind in the race, outboarded, Blue is desperate. An anchoris his best chance to survive. Hitting twice gains most time, thereforegives best chances to anchor. The double hit has the extra vig ofimproving the board after a miss or a hit on the 1 point. Other playsleave Blue scrambling to survive. I think Blue has to go for theanchor.
Bob Stringer: 23/14.
Bleah. Behind in the race and much worse structure, with Whiteitching to attack those blots. That blot on the 21 can't staythere inviting White to hit loose and then quite possibly make his4 point. All round safety also is important. 23/14 therefore looksclear to me. I think the only play that gives White fewer shots is13/8, 6/2, and aside from the fact that it's not on the list, it'sobviously insane.
Casper van der Tak: 8/4*, 6/1*.
Blue is in quite a mess, and urgently needs and anchor before she is blown from the board. 13/4* and 21/16 8/4* are too soft, 8/4* 6/1* maximizes the chances f anchoring by temporarily grapping the initiative.
Kit Woolsey: 8/4*, 6/1*.
This looks like a kill or get assassinated position. If I don'tpound away, White is going to be firing both guns at my blots. I desperatelyneed to form an anchor before things get out of hand, and the double-hitmay give me the time to do this.
Chris Yep: 8/4*, 6/1*.
If Blue hits, it looks right to hit twice. For the price of only one extra shot (1s, 4s, 2-2 = 21 shots compared to 3s [except 3-6], 4s, 1-1, and 2-2 = 20 shots), Blue puts a second checker in the air. If Blue doesn't hit, he'll play 23/14, but even this "safe" move gives White a lot of shots (by a quick count at least 2/3 of the numbers hit). While it's true that Blue will often get return shots if White hits in his inner board, this is double-edged because if Blue misses, White will have 25 covers next turn to improve to a 4-point board, a substantial improvement over a 3-point board. Since Blue still trails by a considerable amount in the race after 23/14, running is probably the wrong idea. Thus I like 8/4* 6/1*.
Summary: The panel was near unanimous in favor of the double-hit,keeping White as busy as possible so Blue has a chance to consolidate. Thiscertainly seems right to me.
Play Votes Score8/4*, 6/1* 10 10023/14 1 6013/4* 1 6021/16, 8/4* 0 40
Problem 3
| 141 150 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 24/16.
Part running is not the favourable approach in this position. Blue could start to seal up Whites remaining man or run and force White to concentrate on this blot. Bringing down men from the mdpt speeds up Blue and with Whites timing advantage not necessary the best play. I am in favour of escaping one man now before it is to late and letting White concentrate on this man. Blue at present still has a reasonably effective blockade.
Chuck Bower: 24/21, 6/1*.
One back, attack, even with the last builder from the 6-point.Splitting looks good here, and safe when combined with theloose hit. Most of the time, whether return hit or not, Blue's6 will play nicely.
Doug Doub: 24/21, 13/8.
We have much the better prime, but our opponent hasonly one man back, while we have two. That strongly argues for getting aback man moving now, while our advantage of a stronger inner board is at amaximum. If we sit back and bring two men down from the midpoint, Whitewill be free to build up his board in comfort.
Running all the way is certainly reasonable, since White's hits would notinvolve making a useful point at the same time. However, our spares on themidpoint certainly belong on our 8pt, and this roll allows us to put onethere.
62,64, and 42 are the only non-doubles that would allow our opponent topoint on us without surrendering his bar point, and his board would stillnot be very threatening.
In short, it is not terribly dangerous to get the back men moving thisturn, but the longer we wait the more risky it will get. We cannot affordto sit back on the acept with two men and watch our opponent build hisboard.
Neil Kazaross: 24/16.
Lots of choices here. Perhaps something tactical like 1x and split to21 is right, but I doubt it. So, I'm torn between the obvious building play 8&10 or the distraction play of 24/16. If the building play works, White will likely counter by working on his own block and we may end up with 2 men vs 1 behind respective primes. With White have a big stack on the 6 point and seeing that 24/16 dupes some numbers and makes it harder for White to make an inside point, I am going to vote for 24/16 here but with no conviction that it is correct.
George Klitsas: 24/16.
Blue must not panic (and hit on the guff). I think it's close between the "action play" 24/16 and the prime-building 13/8 13/10. The fact that the latter strips the midpoint, tips the balance in favor of 24/16.
Snowie: 24/21, 6/1*.
My main strength is my stronger inner board, and the loose hit on the acepoint combined with the split is the way to take advantage of this strength.If I play passively, White may start to put together a board. If Whiteflunks I suddenly have a strong advantage, and if I am hit back that isn'tso terrible. The way to deal with a single back checker is to attack it,not try to prime it.
Marty Storer: 24/16.
Blue doesn't want to have his two checkers blocked, soit makes sense to get them going before White can improve. Many ofWhite's hitting numbers are awkward. If White misses, Blue comesaround, increasing building power and coverage in his own outfield.
Bob Stringer: 24/21, 6/1*.
Behind in the race, but a nice structure. I would have preferredto roll a 1 plus something, so as to split my back men withreasonable safety, but that wasn't to be. Splitting is, I think,important here, because unless White is able to run on his nextroll, he's either going to make his first inner board point orhe's going to bring down another checker to make his position evenmore threatening. To my mind, that means I've got to either createsome flexibility on his side of the board now, or do something tomake it more likely that I'll hit if White runs. A move like 13/5,therefore, is the worst of two worlds -- it leaves two checkerssplat on the 24 point, and it doesn't do anything to make lifemore threatening for White if he runs. 24/16 is a reasonableeffort to escape altogether, but it asks to be hit when I may havea better alternative. 24/21, 13/8 also is reasonable, since itdoes the desired split and starts a 5 prime. However, it's risky-- moving up to the 21 point asks White to attack, and if he hitsand gets something going, I'm going to regret that extra blot onmy 8 point. Therefore, of the splitting plays 24/21, 6/1*,stopping White from attacking the 21 with both dice, looks best.What about not splitting? Well, I've already rejected 13/5. 13/10,6/1* hits without a purpose, since it makes White possibly come upto a point from which he can escape with one die, and it leaves achecker on the ace point where it will either be hit or languish.The only reason I like 6/1* with the split is that the hitprotects the checker on the 21. This leaves 13/10, 13/8 as thealternative to my choice. I reject it because I think it's moreimportant to start doing something about those checkers stuck onthe 24 point. They have to come around some time, so let's getgoing now.
Casper van der Tak: 24/16.
A common theme in these type of positions in which Blue has the better board, and White has prime-building potential. After 24/16, White's hits do not build her position, and if not hit, Blue has improved her timing by escaping one checker.
Kit Woolsey: 24/16.
This looks like a good time for a diversion play. White wants to eitherescape his back checker or build up his board, and my play diverts himfrom these goals as he has to deal with my escaping checker. If I getaway I will have 14 men to deal with priming White's back checker -- hopefullythat will be sufficient. Other plays leave White too free to do whathe wants.
Chris Yep: 24/21, 6/1*.
At the moment Blue has a stronger prime, but has a timing disadvantage. Although the race is close, Blue has an extra man back. One way to solve this timing problem is to form an advanced anchor. I prefer 24/21 6/1* which starts the 21 point and hits for tempo and protection. Although 6/1* removes Blue's last 6-point spare, I believe it's worth it in this case. Since White only has one back man, Blue is not committed to a priming game. With a little luck he can also convert to an attack/blitz against White's back man.
Summary: The loose hit got several votes, but Blue's position seems a bit strungout to take that approach. The simple running play was the winner.
Play Votes Score24/16 6 10024/21, 6/1* 4 8024/21, 13/8 1 6013/10, 13/8 1 6013/5 0 4013/10, 6/1* 0 40
Problem 4
| 134 148 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 8/5(3), 4/1*.
Blue is in danger of being squeezed out. Blue could play around with a few combinations. Though making the 5 pt is a definite must. I will go for putting maximum pressure on White by making another pt and hitting White. Hoping also to sort out the back men on the way.
Chuck Bower: 8/5(3), 4/1*.
Make the 5-point, hit loose on the acepoint to protect thevulnerable back checkers, and leave the outside blot inthe least vulnerable spot. Point-on-head on the acepoint is safer but feels like playing not to lose.
Doug Doub: 13/10, 8/5(3).
A choice between the 'pure play' and a tactical playthat involves hitting on the 1pt. It looks like a very close call to me.Our slight racing deficit and White's blot in the outfield argue forhitting.
On the other hand, our outfield coverage is good after making the 10pt,and White is not threatening to do much on his side of the board. I thinkthat we can afford to spend this roll to make the best point on our side ofthe board, and let the dice guide our followup next turn. We will have gooddiversification to attack, build, anchor, or escape depending upon what weroll.
Neil Kazaross: 13/10, 8/5(3).
OK .. a fine shot but we have 2 men behind a 4 prime and no directshot at White's blot. We aren't yet in much danger of being blitzed. Thus I don't care for the awkward play to make our ace point. So..I am going to play 8/5(3) and then decide whether to safe up with 13/10 or attack with 4/1x. This looks close, but seeing that White only has a few blitzing jokers and that we don't have a direct shot at his other blot, and that the race is close, I will opt to make our 10 point. 8/5(3), 13/10 for me.
George Klitsas: 13/10, 8/5(3).
10/1* 4/1 is short-sighted. In my opinion, it's between 8/5(3) 4/1* and 8/5(3) 13/10 and it's difficult to know which play exploits the cube position more. Since White has practically little ammo with which to attack, only one and a half direct hitters/builders (some "indirect" as well), and both players will have a three point board, I think that it is slightly better for Blue to play constructively (13/10 8/5(3)).
Snowie: 8/5(3), 4/1*.
Hitting is a must -- I can't afford to give White his full roll here whichmight let him escape or attack. Normally it isn't a good idea to leave aninner board blot when hitting in this sort of position, but I think it isright here. Plugging that gap in my inner board is huge. Also, White'saces are duplicated.
Marty Storer: 10/1*, 4/1.
This is ugly, but it's the safest way to attack ablot (rather than priming an anchor). My second choice is 8/5(3)4/1*, but I'm weenily afraid to leave the direct shot againstWhite's strong board and blockade.
Bob Stringer: 10/1*, 4/1.
If I could play only three 3's, I'd make the bar point, but that'snot to be. That extra 3 makes this play a little awkward. Beingbehind in the race gives me some license to be risky, but Whitehas the stronger board, and so a little discretion is required.Hitting minimizes White's choices, and making the ace point makesmy board as strong as his. Hence my choice.
Casper van der Tak: 8/5(3), 4/1*.
This is a position that is hard to win as a prime vs. prime position. So Blue wants to force the position in a tactical direction. I'd like to take the initiative here before White starts hitting on the three, so 4/1* is going to be part of my move. After that, I like 8/5 (3) to build a home board point, create covers, and minimize blots (damage control)
Kit Woolsey: 10/1*, 4/1.
I want White on the bar so he can't attack, and I would rather not leaveany return shots. My play isn't pure, but I think I can live with it.White has only one man back, so priming this back checker isn't theissue -- keeping it on the bar is.
Chris Yep: 13/10, 8/5(3).
13/10 8/5(3) is definitely the prettiest-looking play, although that doesn't make it right of course. Blue could hit loose on the ace point, but at the moment I don't think that Blue's back men are in enough danger that such a tactical hit is necessary. White only has 1 spare on his prime (assuming that he doesn't want to break his bar point to hit). If Blue is going to hit on the ace point then he should just make it cleanly with 10/1* 4/1, leaving no blots on his side of the board. This is definitely a strong contender but it doesn't make the 5 point and makes it difficult for Blue to continue building next turn. Instead I like 13/10 8/5(3) which makes both the 5 point and the 10 point. While the 10 point can't be part of the same prime as the 4-6, it gives Blue more coverage of his outfield. If Blue survives the next roll he will be in position to quickly build a strong board.
Summary: The clear consensus of the panel was for the purity ofmaking the five point, with the vote split betwen the loose hit and lockingup the ten point. It isn't obvious to me why this is right. Isn't itthematic to attack a lone checker, particularly when you have blotwhich are in danger on the other side of the board? Isn't it thematic notto leave a direct return shot from the bar if that can be avoided? Isn'tthe ace point almost as good a point as any in a position such as this which isn'tlikely to turn into a priming battle? I still don't see what is wrong with10/1*, 4/1.
Play Votes Score8/5(3), 4/1* 5 10013/10, 8/5(3) 4 9010/1*, 4/1 3 8013/10, 8/5(2), 4/1* 0 4010/7, 8/5(2), 4/1* 0 40
Problem 5
| 129 122 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 8/5.
Blue is up against it. On the premise that White would hit next throw, Blue has to think what he hopes to achieve. Tall order on this roll. Blue does have a blockade of sorts. If Blue hits, what does he do with the one. There could be too many blots hanging around. Passive play will let White play the field. What92s best? I tend towards the waiting game. It gives some measure of control whereas hitting is all or nothing.
Chuck Bower: 8/7, 3/1*.
Hit loose and put the blots where they can do the most good.Pretty wide open, but this wasn't the best roll for Blue'snearly stripped position, and most other plays furthercramp Blue's options.
Doug Doub: 8/5.
We are in trouble here, despite our racing lead. White ispoised to attack us on his 3pt, and then complete his prime. We could tryto prevent this by hitting him on the 1pt. We have as many inner boardpoints as our opponent, and the hit certainly has decent chances of workingout. Unfortunately, we would have to make a significant concession with theace that would be left over. 4-3 is possible, since it starts a key pointand would be the only play that would not break a point and leave TWO blots,but it would leave a double direct shot.
I might be able to be talked into playing 8-6, 4-3, since it would giveus the best building potential, and would duplicate the three shot thatalready hits.
It could be best to follow the policy of hitting before we areassassinated, but the passive play looks just a bit better here.
Neil Kazaross: 8/5.
Yuck...this 21 stinks. Our back men is in danger and it would be niceto try to buy it some time by hitting loose on our ace point. Unfortunately every ace we must play after the loose hit creates new (blots) and cranks up our gammon danger. I fear that I must vote for the wimpy 8/5 and hope that our back checker can survive for a while vs 12 enemy checkers.
George Klitsas: 11/10, 3/1*.
Since Blue has to leave another blot, whatever he plays, he is well advised to attack himself (3/1*) rather than wait to be attacked. After 3/1*, he has four alternatives for the second part of his move. Breaking the eight or the mid point, in all probability is going to hurt him in the future and 5/4 is obviously out of the question. By this process of elimination, I vote for 11/10 3/1*, which duplicates aces for White, keeps an eye on the 4 point and retains maximum re-hit numbers (if he is hit on his 10 or 11 point from the bar).
Snowie: 5/4, 3/1*.
The play to win. My inner board is as strong as White's, so I don't minea blot-hitting contest. If I don't hit I have to make some otherconcession, and White is free to walk his prime forward on my head.The second slot in the inner board may seem weird, but any other aceleaves more blots and isn't necessarily safer. If I get away with it,I'm ready to build up my board.
Marty Storer: 8/5.
Again ugly, but safest. Blue is ahead in the race, soit's reasonable to try the weenie plan of hoping to recover afterletting White fire all guns. White's attack is dangerous, but notquite powerful to make Blue desperate. Alternatives leave directshots, and that's a serious drawback.
Bob Stringer: 8/5.
I don't see the point of both hitting and giving White a blot inmy outfield, which eliminates two plays. Likewise, 13/12, 13/11both gives White a shot and a fair chance to clear my 9 point, sothat's out too. Everything, in fact, looks unappetizing, so I'mjust going to be a coward.
Casper van der Tak: 13/12, 3/1*.
Again a position in which I do not like to quiet move (8/5). Blue's chances in prime vs. prime are not very good. So I'd start with 3/1*, to take the initiative, and then I'd play 13/12 which leaves aa bunch of blots but duplicates the 3s and 4s which White could use to hit Blue of the edge (and yes, 11/10 duplicates entering 1s and 2s, but duplicating the 3s and 4s seems more important here).
Kit Woolsey: 8/5.
A difficult play. I would like to hit, but that would mean blot city andI don't think I can afford that. It looks best to leave no direct shotson my side of the board and hope the back checker can survive. This lookslike a matter of damage control.
Chris Yep: 8/5.
Several factors call for a quiet move in this position. Blue is ahead in the race (up 10 pips after the roll). Blue has a slightly weaker board (an open 4 point). Finally, the "active" moves don't accomplish enough when they do work to be worth the risk. If Blue hits loose he will have a hard time continuing the attack due to his open 4 point. Also, in order to hit loose he'll have to expose at least 2 blots on his side of the board. The risk is too much in my opinion. White has a very imposing 5-prime on the other side of the board and each additional checker sent back behind the prime would significantly hurt Blue. Thus, I believe Blue should make the quiet move, 8/5.
Summary: Not surprisingly, the safe play won out. It is interestingthat the four panelists who chose to hit loose on the ace point eachpicked a different ace to play. Our resident bot's choice was mostunique -- slotting two inner board points while the opponent is on thebar. I'll bet that most of us would never even have thought of thisplay as a candidate over the board.
Play Votes Score8/5 8 10013/12, 3/1* 1 6011/10, 3/1* 1 608/7, 3/1* 1 605/4, 3/1* 1 6013/12, 13/11 0 4011/8 0 40
Problem 6
| 142 134 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 18/15, 18/13.
Apart from making the 3 pt all forward moves are pretty weak. In the lead running is the only option here.
Chuck Bower: 18/15, 18/13.
A common type of position. The combination of Blue's racelead and White's two homeboard blots make breaking the backpoint too tempting for me to pass up. Often this isn't theright ploy and hanging back is better, even with a race lead.But this looks like a good chance to make it to safety withless than usual downside.
Doug Doub: 18/15, 18/13.
It is often correct to break the midpoint in positionslike this. Our opponent would have to give up his anchor if he were able tohit, and the play would free up many spare pips to play, while we wait for agood double to advance our back anchor.
However, I think that our racing lead, combined with the blots in ouropponent's board make this the right time to make the more natural play ofbreaking from the back.
Neil Kazaross: 18/15, 18/13.
Hmm...we're ahead in the race and have a decent structure to aidfurther clearing and White has two blots in his board. We have no constructive way to play this 53 without running so it's 18/13,18/15 for me. I hope to be missed and then gain a few pips in the next couple of rolls and throw a holding game cube. Off course, getting hit and missing may lead to White getting a good cube in soon, but I am running anyhow.
George Klitsas: 18/15, 18/13.
Making a run for it, is always a good idea, when ahead in the race. Here this idea is even stronger, given the duplication of 3's that White needs to hit and cover. After 18/15 18/13, only a few rolls fail to bring the man on the 15 point to safety (if White does not hit).
Snowie: 18/15, 18/13.
This one looks easy. I'm ahead in the race, White has two inner boardblots, and some of White's hits don't cover. If I wait, my positionwill deterioriate while White's position gets stronger. A perfect timeto pay now.
Marty Storer: 18/15, 18/13.
Racing while ahead in the race is reasonable.Staying to wait for a better opportunity is also good. Runningseems to be the best try for favorable doubling opportunities.
Bob Stringer: 18/15, 18/13.
It's a close race, and my forward position is starting to getbunched up, while White's board is only going to improve. I wantthose checkers on the 18 point to start coming around, and sinceWhite has timing because of his extra checkers on the midpoint,and since his board isn't going to get any weaker, this looks likea very good time to run. I'm outta there.
Casper van der Tak: 18/15, 18/13.
Ahead in the race by 16 pips after the roll, and White's board is currently in a mess. Either 18/15 18/13 or 13/8 13/10 is indicated. I like breaking the 18 since that gains most when it works.
Kit Woolsey: 18/15, 18/13.
I am ahead in the race, and some of White's hits don't cover. This lookslike a good time to make a bolt for it and reduce White to a holding game. IfI don't pay now White's board is going to improve, and I will need doublespretty quickly since my position is stripped.
Chris Yep: 18/15, 18/13.
Blue's racing lead translates into a timing disadvantage. As a result he will likely be the first one forced off a key point (an anchor or midpoint) if he plays off his 6 point this turn (8/3 6/3, 6/3 6/1, or 6/1 4/1). I believe it's crucial for Blue to break his 18 or 13 point this turn while White's board is still weak (2 inner board blots). Breaking either of these points will allow him to play safely for a long time while he waits for the necessary doubles to bring his position home. 13/8 6/3 can be quickly discarded. Blue is in no rush to make the 3 point and he doesn't want the blot there anyway, in case White hits next turn. Additionally Blue would rather leave a blot on the 10 point so that if White hits White has to break his anchor. Thus the two best moves, in my opinion, are 18/15 18/13 and 13/10 13/8. If White rolls a joker next turn, Blue would prefer to have kept his anchor. This argues for 13/10 13/8. On the other hand Blue will be up 16 pips after the roll and would thus like to disengage completely. 18/15 18/13 gives Blue a position which is compact and easier to break off contact in the future. This argues for 18/15 18/13. Thus it appears that these two moves are very close. However, a final argument for 18/15 18/13 involves cube considerations. After 13/10 13/8, Blue will be waiting for big doubles. After 18/15 18/13, Blue will have a few extra doubles plus 5-4 to clear the midpoint. 18/15 18/13 is more likely to develop into a race at an earlier point in the game, at which point Blue has a good chance of getting in an efficient double. After 13/10 13/8, in some variations Blue will continue to pad his race lead, but won't be able to double until he rolls doubles to clear his 18-point anchor (at which time he will have lost his market by a wide margin).
Summary: The panel made short work of this problem. Everybody wentfor bolting now while White has the inner board blots. Blue's lead in therace isn't all that great, but since Blue does have that lead thisseems to be the correct play.
Play Votes Score18/15, 18/13 12 10013/10, 13/8 0 4013/8, 6/3 0 408/3, 6/3 0 406/3, 6/1 0 406/1, 4/1 0 40
Problem 7
| 127 139 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 13/7, 4/1.
Running is definitely not on with White in this position. Blue will have to achieve a blockade of his own to compete. Accomplishing this would involve taking a calculated risk. Making a pt on the 5 or 7 pt evens up the two sides. I see no point in bringing down another man too far into Blues homeboard and speeding his game up. Taking timing into consideration the above move I think is favoured.
Chuck Bower: 22/13.
This game is easy. Just run! Even with the pipcount deficit,Blue doesn't have a nice way to play this roll, and doesn'twant more checkers behind White's prime. White will needto roll well to convert this to a race. If Blue fiddlesaround, White's prime will just get stronger. Sometimes thedice tell you how to play them.
Doug Doub: 11/5, 4/1.
The big question is whether or not to run off of theanchor. After playing this roll, we will trail by 3 pips, and so would bebehind by about one roll. Our opponent has a better prime, but we have thesame anchor, so he rates to get forced off of his anchor first. If we runwith one man, we would still have to do escape the second man prettyquickly, and that might not be easy to do.
The spare on our 4pt is badly placed, and we need to cover the blot onour 1pt, so this is surely the best use of our three. Then we need to finda decent six. Whatever we do, we would be making some kind of concession,but starting the 5pt with 11-5 clearly has the biggest upside, as well asoffering a good chance of following it up successfully if we are not hit.
Neil Kazaross: 11/5, 4/1.
We're only a bit behind in the race so I'd like to strongly considerrunning 22/13. Unfortunately,running opens up many attacking options to White. Thus I think we need to keep the anchor and play 4/1, 11/5 which dupes some good 2's and prepares to make a 4 point board to bring us close to even in the game if not hit. Again, I think it is important to see that we still are behind after running one man and even if the remaining rear checker survives, we haven't won the game since our forward position isn't gin. 4/1, 11/5 gets my vote.
George Klitsas: 11/5, 8/5.
The only play that solves the problem of the "encore", is simply making the 5 point (which, in a wide variety of positions [including this one, I believe], even if it's not the best play, should be very close). Only a few 5's hit and cover the inner blot for Blue and, if not conveniently hit, Blue might remake his 8 point. Blue, after making his 5 point, enjoys a (temporary, perhaps, but real) preponderance in home board strength.
Snowie: 11/5, 4/1.
This is simply a matter of making the most of the roll and putting mycheckers where they belong. The spare checker on the four point definitelybelongs on the ace point -- that cleans up what otherwise will be a mess.I want my five point, but I don't want to give up my eight point.This makes 11/5, 4/1 the logical choice.
Marty Storer: 11/5, 4/1.
I can't stomach the very ugly 13/4, so it's aquestion of which blocking attempt to make. It seems criticalto keep the 8 point, so I'll slot the more valuable of the 7and 5 points. The spare on the 4 isn't doing much anyway, andmaking the 1 point can help if White hits right away. Makingthe 5 point is superficially nice, but Blue doesn't want togive White good 5's. He'd rather duplicate White's point-making2's and gain 55 as a root number.
Bob Stringer: 11/5, 4/1.
This is not the time to run. I'm behind in the race, and even withthat dumb blot on his 2 point White has a formidable position.This unfortunate roll doesn't give me a lot of constructive thingsto do. Barring a reason to not mind being hit, blots on the acepoint should be covered at some point, so, with nothing better todo, I'll make that improvement now. Both non-running choices withthe 6 are reasonable. 13/5 looks a bit better, since I don't thinkI'm really going to establish a terrific blockade in front ofWhite's anchor, and the 5 point is better than the 7 in the longrun.
Casper van der Tak: 11/5, 4/1.
Blue's position is awkward, while White has the stronger prime. Both sides will try to improve their position by building additional points (White the 4-point and the 2-point, Blue the 5-point and for reasons that will become more clear later also the ace), and then probably run of the anchor. When the latter occurs, the opponent will try to attack. The better the home board when that occurs the better; and that is also the reason why it is important for Blue to cover the blot on the ace.
Given that Blue is going to try to make the 5 and the ace, what are the logical moves? 11/5 8/5 and 11/5 4/1. My choice is 11/5 4/1, since White already has good 2s at the other side of the board, while White does not have good 5s. Duplication.
Kit Woolsey: 11/2.
I'm okay in the race, and my outfield control is fine. My back checkersare somewhat hemmed in, but they can escape with sixes if need be. Runningone of them now looks premature -- White has too much ammunition in place.Getting another checker sent back could be very bad. I think the rightplan is to sit tight, not leave a direct shot, build up my board, and hopethat White stumbles trying to extricate his back checkers.
Chris Yep: 11/5, 4/1.
Blue has an inner board blot, a weak board/prime, and is behind in the race. This makes running (22/13 and 22/16 4/1) unattractive. If Blue runs, White will likely attack and Blue will probably be in trouble. Instead I like 11/5 4/1 which attempts to solve two problems. 4/1 covers the nagging acepoint blot and makes use of the 4-point spare. 11/5 slots the 5-point; if Blue can make the 5 point he'll give full value to the 4 point as well as create a strong board/prime. White has 2s to hit, but most 2s play well on the other side of the board anyway. If Blue doesn't slot a key point this turn he can play safe (e.g. 13/4 or 11/2) but these moves just compound his problem. I believe that Blue must act now before White's position gets even stronger.
Summary: No longer are experts afraid to make their ace point.The panel makes that the highest priority, even ahead of playing safeor making the five point. 11/5, 4/1 is quite logical when one looksat it. I could easily be persuaded to change my mind on this one.
Play Votes Score11/5, 4/1 7 10022/13 2 7013/7, 4/1 1 6011/2 1 6011/5, 8/5 1 6022/16, 4/1 0 4013/4 0 4011/8, 11/5 0 40
Problem 8
| 136 138 | White money game Blue |
Alan Alsop: 8/4*.
No threats from White. The only real difference is that Blue has his 5 pt. and White has wasted three men to Blues one. Obviously White will try and fill in the gaps in his homeboard. Not allowing White the luxury of a free roll in his homeboard I will fight for my 4 pt. I can't see how the other moves help Blue.
Chuck Bower: 11/8, 6/5.
Hitting but leaving so many blots doesn't feel right. Ilike bringing builders into the home zone here. If Whitedoesn't anchor up then pointing-on-head or pick-and-passplays will work better next roll.
Doug Doub: 11/8, 6/5.
I don't see the need to do anything dramatic here. Therace is virtually even, and White is threatening very little offensively. Iwon't be happy if White anchors with a deuce or 5-3, but our game will bevery playable if that happens. If he does not anchor, then we will bewell-placed to do something constructive next turn.
Neil Kazaross: 11/8, 6/5.
This 31 isn't what we hoped for here. But noting that we aren't yetin too much danger is see no need to panic and just will play 6/5, 11/8 and hope for a better shot next roll.
George Klitsas: 11/8, 6/5.
A priming plan (13/10 11/10) is not going to work in my opinion. The character of the game is more of a blood bath which is about to start, and the plan should be to be best prepared to attack (i.e. builders) and, at the same time, avoid blots strewn around in case of being attacked. Thinking along these lines, the simple 11/8 6/5 looks like the natural move here.
Snowie: 5/4*, 4/1.
White's threats are anchoring on my four point, escaping a back checker, or attacking myblots in his inner board. My unusual looking hit and shift play takescare of all of these threats at once. Purity isn't important in this sortof position, since this will not become a priming battle. My play putsWhite on the bar, duplicates his fives, and brings the checker on the 11 pointback to life as a builder for the inner board.
Marty Storer: 11/8, 6/5.
Making the 10 looks nice, but the "weenie play"is actually plenty aggressive. The added builders give enoughattacking chances that Blue can afford to keep the midpointand avoid being hit with 1's, 54, 63, and 65. Staying somewhattight is often advisable even against loose-looking opposingformations; that seems to be the case here.
Bob Stringer: 11/8, 6/5.
I can't see ever giving up the 5 point unless the trade-off is aterrific attack, nor do I see giving White two shots in my innerboard. That eliminates 6/2* (yuck), 8/4* and 5/4*, 4/1. In such aloose position, I want to keep the midpoint, and so 13/10, 11/10is out as well. 22/21, 8/5 strips the 8 point and moves a checkerup to a point that is easier for White to attack. Finally, 22/21,11/8 reduces my flexibility while again moving a man up intogreater danger. By the process of elimination, I arrive at theplay selected -- I lose the flexibility of having a man on the 11point, but the 6/5 makes up for that a bit.
Casper van der Tak: 11/8, 6/5.
Finally a position where I would go quiet, although 8/4* is very tempting, in spite of all the blots. I don't know how to argue for this move, except that is just feels better than 8/4*.
Kit Woolsey: 13/10, 11/10.
It seems as though I should be trying to improve somewhere with White'sboard currently in disarray. The ten point is a valuable point since itis six away from my most advanced open point in my board. Everything elseseems like pretty much of a nothing play.
Chris Yep: 11/8, 6/5.
Hitting gives up too much for what it gains in my opinion. Additionally Blue's back men are not in too much trouble yet, so Blue doesn't need a tempo hit. Giving up the midpoint (to make the 10 point) is too big a concession when Blue still has two back men. That leaves 11/8 6/5 as the natural move. 6/5 is more valuable than 22/21, while 11/8 only adds an extra spare to the 8 point, but at least gives White no outfield shots. Overall this approach looks best to me.
Summary: The panel goes surprisingly conservative despite the factthat White's board is a mess. 11/8, 6/5 is a good strucural play, but it doesn'tdo anything now. I still like making the ten point. Speaking of novelties,take a look at Snowie's choice of 5/4*, 4/1. This is the second problemin this set where the bot has chosen a play most experts wouldn't have evenput on their list of candidates. All very interesting.
Play Votes Score11/8, 6/5 9 10013/10, 11/10 1 608/4* 1 605/4*, 4/1 1 6022/21, 11/8 0 4022/21, 8/5 0 406/2* 0 40
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Alan Alsop 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 8/5(3), 4/1* 8/5 18/15, 18/13 13/7, 4/1 8/4*Chuck Bower 11/9(2) 13/4* 24/21, 6/1* 8/5(3), 4/1* 8/7, 3/1* 18/15, 18/13 22/13 11/8, 6/5Doug Doub 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/21, 13/8 13/10, 8/5(3) 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5Neil Kazaross 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 13/10, 8/5(3) 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5George Klitsas 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 13/10, 8/5(3) 11/10, 3/1* 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 8/5 11/8, 6/5Laila Leonhardt 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 13/10, 13/8 8/5(3), 4/1* 8/5 18/15, 18/13 22/13 11/8, 6/5Snowie 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/21, 6/1* 8/5(3), 4/1* 5/4, 3/1* 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 5/4*, 4/1Marty Storer 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 10/1*, 4/1 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5Bob Stringer 11/9(2) 23/14 24/21, 6/1* 10/1*, 4/1 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5Casper van der Tak 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 8/5(3), 4/1* 13/12, 3/1* 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5Kit Woolsey 18/17(2), 11/10(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/16 10/1*, 4/1 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/2 13/10, 11/10Chris Yep 11/9(2) 8/4*, 6/1* 24/21, 6/1* 13/10, 8/5(3) 8/5 18/15, 18/13 11/5, 4/1 11/8, 6/5
