6/3(4) leaves just as many shot-giving numbers (nine) as 6/off(2), and should be safer after that, since the highest point is cleared. If you're not inclined to give yourself nine shot-giving numbers next roll, then you might look at 6/off 4/1(2), which is completely safe for one roll. But it's hardly ever right to create a gap when bearing off against an anchor. Another relevant guideline is that against an anchor you want to be aware of direct numbers that are blocked by the anchor and you'd like to have plenty of spares elsewhere that can play that number. So it seems likely to be wrong to clear the 4 point when you only have the one spare checker on the 5 point to safely play some fours with.
If you're still unpersuaded that volunteering nine shot-leaving numbers next roll can be better than volunteering none (and immediate jeopardy does usually outweigh shots down the road), look at 6/off 4/1(2) more closely. You'll see that this play leaves you very few good numbers (about six). But notice that with most of these the best you can do is fill the gap -- and that leaves you no better off than if you had played 6/off(2). So playing 3-3 6/off 4/1(2) hasn't gained, even when you follow up by refilling the gap. And you're much more likely (75% of the time) to come down to a variant of one of these two positions ...
| White | 150 |
|---|---|
| |
| Blue | 35 |
Position ID: 2G6JABzP2QAAAA Match ID: QQkAAAAAAAAA | |
| White | 150 |
|---|---|
| |
| Blue | 37 |
Position ID: 2G6JABzP3AAAAA Match ID: QQkAAAAAAAAA | |
... which are both a lot more dangerous than after 6/3(4) from the original position. Of variants there are two kinds: (1) you'll have one, two or no spares on the three point (with two being better than none, of course) but more important (2) your play has allowed Opponent to play 23/21 with any two, which will turn some shot-leaving sequences into double shots (with Blue in any variant of either of the above two positions, and also after Blue's 5-5 or 4-4). For example:
| White | 148 |
|---|---|
| |
| Blue | 38 |
Position ID: 2K6FABnPswEAAA Match ID: QQkAAAAAAAAA | |
