The key question is whether Red should stay back or try to escape.
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.
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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It might seem clear here to play 19/16, 18/16 to block White’s sixes from her 16-pt. That is the obvious move, and it is what was played over the board.
You cannot play successful backgammon without continually taking balanced risks.
There are times in backgammon when you have to play safely, and this is one of them.
This is a common opening problem. Should Red hit, if so where, or should he take the asset of the 5-pt?
Back games can be horrendously difficult and this one certainly isn’t easy.
