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| Diagram 1. 32D-51$-21d-54 | |||
Advanced Backgammon, Problem 7
The most useful appears to be 13/8. To go with it, Blue could play his 4 in one of two ways: X (Hit and split) = 13/8 24/20 or $ (Slot) = 13/4. The former leaves a splot that is far too ambitious. Opponent White already has a 4 to hit on Blue’s 5pt. Coming under the gun would also give him 1, 3, 5, and 6. The latter alternative, slotting the 4pt, is a much more realistic play.
The other way Blue might play his 5 is 8/3, but that move slots the wrong point. If Blue wants to slot a second checker, 13/4 is clearly the way to go. Besides, after 8/3, the only decent 4 is 13/9, which opens up a third blot.
My choice in Diagram 1, therefore, is $ = 13/4.
I am less certain about the variants offerred in Diagrams 2-4.
Diagram 3 presents the only clear choice. Hitting and pointing on the ace point should dominate any alternative. In Diagram 4, running, R = 24/15, is probably better than playing two down, D = 13/9 13/8, or splitting, S = 24/20 13/8. Diagram 2 is the tricky one. Splitting seems somewhat safer than in Diagram 1, but I would still try slotting, $ = 13/4, over the board.
Mike
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| Diagram 2. 32D-51$-21N-54 | |||
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| Diagram 3. 32D-51$-21B-54 | |||
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| Diagram 4. 32D-51$-21P-54 | |||