It might seem that making the bar-point, with 9/7, 8/7 and playing 13/12 is Red’s best bet, but that would ignore the fourteen White checkers lining up for a blitz attack on the other
Early Game Dilemma
Money Play. How should Red play 31?
eXtreme Gammon ID: XGID=-a-a-BD-B---dE-a-c-e----B-:0:0:1:13:0:0:3:0:10
Answer and Commentary
Bray’s Learning Curve — A Great Member Benefit
Bray’s Learning Curve is a USBGF online series by author Chris Bray. Each week Chris lends his sharp insight and easy to understand analysis to help you improve your game.
Visit the USBGF Facebook page every Monday to challenge yourself with an interesting backgammon position and join in the lively discussion. Return to usbgf.org on Tuesday to view the answer with commentary.
- Tagged: Basic Beginners, Early Game
More Bray's Learning Curve
The last thing you want to do as Red in this position is to play 22/20 with the two. It takes all the pressure off White who can then enjoy a sixteen-pip lead and calmly bring the checkers