Coming up to challenge White seems mandatory. Otherwise, he can play 2s and 4s inside, and thus avoid a direct shot when he rolls 22 23 24 41 43. The question is how. Advancing both made points to the 12pt and 15pt is the move that occurred to me first. Blue risks the anti-jokers 11 and 33. But when White rolls any other number totaling 7 or less (12 13 14 15 16 23 24 25 34), or 22 or 44, White’s straggler is blocked. In fact, unless White rolls 11, 33 or 66, Black will have at least one direct shot next turn. Another possibility is to make the 12pt, and split the anchor, 21/15. The final 6 could be played either to the 9pt or 1pt. Of the two, I prefer slotting the 9pt. Slotting the 1pt moves a checker too deep into the inner board. This play risks hit/dance 99 times in 1296 (7.6%), in addition to the anti-joker doublets, but is sure to generate plenty of shots. Over the board, I would make the 12pt and 15pt, but with so many choices available in this difficult “post ace-point” game, I will be surprised if it is the best play. Mike | ||||||||||||
