Problem of the Week #82: November 1 - Page 2 - Backgammon Forum - Discuss Backgammon Strategy, Clubs and Books

The alternative, play C, is not as safe, but gives Black a connected position. Of course, it has its own downside: if Black is hit, he'll fall back twenty-four pips. The race would then be suddenly one-sided, and with three checkers back for Black, he'd be forced to discard any racing options. Still, this is the play I prefer. When White misses, Black will have significantly improved his position. Even when White hits, there are many awkward rolls that will force him to expose a blot for Black to hit on the return.

This is enough of an argument for NOT making this play

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11-05-2010 , 02:18 PM

#27

bschr04

grinder

Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 454

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrengi

Black has a very strong position here. His most important objective right now is to make the bar point as that would substantially increase his gammon chances. If white is lucky enough to roll 6-3 or 6-4 next roll, black would like to have an opportunity to hit from the 13 point. For these reasons, I think the best play is 21/13. It gives black a better chance to make the bar point on a later roll, rebuilds the midpoint which will make bringing home the back checker easier and gives black a chance to hit on the 10 or 11 point.

9/1* - This play appears to have some merit because it makes it more difficult for white to escape on the next roll. However, it also doesn't accomplish much long-term. If white hits it may give him a chance to get back in the game. Even if he doesn't, if he comes in on the 3 point and the 9 point is now broken, he also has better chances to escape. Without a good threat to close out, I don't like the hitting play. Answer - 21/13

All good points. Our best chances to win a gammon in this position are priming and closing out. Closing out is just too unlikely, so I dont think the play of breaking our structure and risking getting hit gains enough.

21/13.

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11-05-2010 , 07:04 PM

#28

Taper_Mike

adept

Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,030

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrengi

I read your analysis carefully because so far, you are the only one that has put forth any sort of argument for 9/1*
Even assuming that white misses, I still don't see how this improves black's position (let alone significant improvement). Can you please elaborate?

Remaking the midpoint seemed too passive to me when I originally wrote. It establishes an essentially even racing game, when Black has much better structure. The hit on the one point is an attempt to leverage that advantage. Ones are duplicated. Many return shots are available, whether or not White hits. Otherwise, remaking the midpoint allows White to drop a blot or two into his outer board, and, perhaps, to rectify his stacked position in a roll or two.

Having said that, I must acknowledge the collective wisdom of the group mind posting on this site. When I come out almost all alone with a move from left field, I am almost always wrong!

Last edited by Taper_Mike; 11-05-2010 at 07:13 PM.

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11-05-2010 , 07:10 PM

#29

Taper_Mike

adept

Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,030

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberkuber

I guess you meant 24/21 8/3.

Thanks, Uberkuber. Play E should be two plays:

Play E: 24/21, 9/4
Play F: 24/21, 8/3

Of these, I prefer the former. It was the play I intended for play E.

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11-05-2010 , 08:30 PM

#30

uberkuber

veteran

Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,032

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taper_Mike

Yes, the race is even, but it doesn't mean that Black's better structure won't prove useful down the road, since there's still a lot of contact left. If Black attacks, he risks falling behind in the race. But if he rebuilds the midpoint, he is basically freerolling for now, since the race is even, but he has a better structure as a bonus.

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