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. 

Expert Backgammon Player and TeacherChris Bray Photo

A New Puzzle Every Week

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. 

Bray’s Learning Curve in-depth analysis is one of the great benefits of a USBGF membership.
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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? 

The key factor here is the blots in White’s home board which are a significant weakness in the event that this becomes a hitting battle. They turn what could be a take into a very clear

The problem with any passive move in this position is that it allows White the opportunity to attack with gusto. Whatever move Red makes White will double next turn.

In that case Red

This is a deceptive position but attacked logically you can reach the correct answer.

The White checkers add little value to White’s chances. They are simply too easy to jump over for

For money this is double/pass and if the Jacoby Rule is not in effect in would be too good to double. 

However, the skewed score changes things dramatically. Many would play on

White holds the 3-pt, christened the “Butterfly Anchor” by Michihito Kageyama. When you hold that point you often end up in non-volatile positions and you are in the game until the