This is a binary choice problem. (a) bar/20* or (b) bar/21. 6/5* are the only two sensible alternatives.
Red is well behind in the race. What is the correct game plan? Keeping the 3-4
Intricate Endgame
Unlimited Games. How should Red play 31?
eXtreme Gammon ID: XGID=-BBbBBA-B---a--B------A-A-:1:1:1:31:0:0:3:0:10
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.
More Bray's Learning Curve
When I first saw this position I though bar/24, 13/9 was very clear and obvious. However, one needs to look deeper. Electing to have goalkeeper when training by only 14 pips in the middle