                         |
| ||||
| XGID=--a---EAD---dCb--c-c-b-AA-:0:0:1:61:0:0:3:0:10 | |||||
51S-65R-63R-62X-62H-22Y-61 | |||||
Clever ploy, Mike. You got my attention. :)
IMO, it is the 6 (played 13/7) that is compelling, rather than the ace. Given that Blue's back checkers are already split, 24/18 is not only redundant but actually plays into White's hands. Blue wants free use of his full roll next time—not be scrambling from the roof. If White did not own her 4pt, a decent case could be made for 24/18, but not here. When one is outboarded, hitting exchanges have more downside and less upside.
Hitting on the 2pt is questionable, too. It's a tempo, but Blue already has White's back checker where he wants it.
Even if Blue were granted an extra 24/18 or 8/2* for FREE, I'm thinking he probably shouldn't take it.
Having decided on 13/7 for the 6, I need to decide on an ace. In direct comparison to 13/7, I'll eliminate 6/5, because diversifying active builders is typically better than slotting into a direct shot. That leaves 8/7 or 23/22, each of which are clear improvements for Blue. This final choice would require further study, but as I'm out of time I'll go with the more natural-looking 8/7.
........D = Down (13/7 8/7)
Nack