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
Bray's Learning Curve
Each week, author Chris Bray lends his sharp insight and easy-to-understand analysis to help you improve your game.
Chris is the author of multiple backgammon books, including Backgammon for Dummies, and is the backgammon columnist for The Times of London.
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Every Monday Chris posts an interesting backgammon position on our Facebook page. We encourage you to join in the lively discussion and return here to our website on Tuesdays to read his extended analysis.
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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
As usual we start by evaluating the position as if it were a money game. That is not difficult. Using PRaT red is ahead in position, race and threat so this is a redouble and a huge drop for
“When ahead in the race, race” is a common maxim but beware of using it without thinking.
This week’s position came up in a training match. Following the maxim Black should play
This is a classic example of a deflection play.
White has an advanced anchor and so Red wants one as well if at all possible.
If Red plays on automatic and moves 24/13 it gives White total
White already has a back game so the last thing Red should do is to send another checker back and give White the chance of making a third anchor.
When playing against a back game it is important
An apparently simple problem. Most would play 8/7, 8/3 leaving no gaps but awkward big doubles on the next turn.
This type of position occurs frequently and it useful to have a rule to
This caused quite some debate when it occurred in a match. Red split the rear checkers. White rolled 55 and it was all over, but Red insisted splitting was correct. Right or wrong?