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| XGID=-a----EaCA--eD---b-cc--AA-:0:0:1:42:0:0:0:0:10 | |||||
| Blue to play 42 | |||||
White made a small error on his last turn. Hitting twice with 61 would have been slightly better than 24/18, 6/5. Now, White is even better positioned to attack. 64, 63, 54, and 43 all make an inside point on Blue's head. Other 6s anchor. Many 2s and 8s hit outside. With all these threats, I found myself wondering whether Blue should hit with this 42, by playing 13/6*. Quiz factor confirms my choice not to do that, but it was a candidate.
After deciding not to hit, Blue has no way to stop White from improving. Blue is behind in development. Making his 4pt now, would still leave him behind. It would do little to deter White from attacking. Blue needs to focus on defense. I think the best way to do that is to make the 9pt with the 4, and move up from the 24pt with the 2.
Moving up to the 22pt may freeze White's 8pt, as it puts a second Blue checker within direct range of any blot White leaves there. In addition, the alternative 23/21, drops a checker on the point White wants to make next. White would have few qualms about hitting loose there.
z = reverse split = 24/22, 13/9
Mike