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
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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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