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5-anchor or bar-anchor

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06-04-2011 , 03:12 PM

kruidenbuiltje

journeyman

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 270

Hi,

I came across a position in a Lamford book, where a player white throws double-2 and is recommended by the author to change from a 5-anchor to a bar-anchor.

From Roberties books i learned that a 5-anchor is usually better in a holding game, but i can imagine that there are holding games (for example with a great difference in race) where the bar-point might be better.

To be clear:

When is a 5-anchor better for defence purposes and when a bar-anchor?

greetings k.

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06-04-2011 , 03:59 PM

TomCowley

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,649

It depends on what point you're likely to be battling against. If he has his midpoint and not much in the outfield, then setting up a direct shot (or double direct if you still have your midpoint) when he breaks it is a good thing. If you're likely to be battling an outfield point (because he's likely to clear, or already has cleared his midpoint), then you'd rather be on the 5 because it's easier to clear by hopping you (65, etc) if you're too close to him. And obviously if you might need a safe place to enter, that favors the 5.

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