          
 
        
 | | White is Player 2
score: 0
pip: 159 | Money session
Jacoby | pip: 161
score: 0
Blue is Player 1 |
| | XGID=-b----E-D---cDb--c-c-b-AA-:0:0:1:54:0:0:1:0:10 | | Blue to play 54 |
There are a lot of choices here. - $ (Slot) = 13/4
- D (Down) = 13/9, 13/8
- R (Run) = 24/15
- S (Split) = 23/18, 13/9
- Z (Reverse split) = 24/20, 13/8
S and Z both provide juicy targets for an opponent who has us outboarded, and who sits with 10 checkers in the zone. Forced to choose between the two, I would play Z. At the risk of ceding the 20pt, it should garner more return shots. Considering that White will attack after either S or Z, an outside blot on the 9pt would be more of a target than a builder.
D and Z both put a fifth checker on the 8pt, something I’d like to avoid, if possible. Of the two, my preference is for D.
That leaves $ and R. My initial inclination was to run, but slotting could be just as good. As always, the danger with the slot is that White might hit twice or attack the rear checkers when he misses the slot. Slotting duplicates some of White’s point-making numbers (63, 53 and 31), but diversifies his hitting numbers (3, 4 and 6).
Having seen the slot, I can’t get it out of my mind. So, I guess I’ll play it.
Mike |