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Position 1: The score (after 0 games) is: White 0, Blue 0 (match to 11 points)
One of the more memorable lines from Jeremy Bagai’s excellent Classic Backgammon Revisited goes something like this: The impetus to slot is more often the result of internal pressure than from any external force. It is the awkwardness of one’s own checkers, and not the placement of one’s opponents, that drives the decision to slot. I think Position 1 is a case in point. $ (Slot) = 13/5 is my choice. Position 2: The score (after 0 games) is: White 0, Blue 0 (match to 11 points) White on roll, cube decision?
With four checkers on his 3pt, Blue’s best game plan is to race. He has little prospect of creating the safe landing spots he needs, however, in order to come around the board. Blue could get into trouble right away as many of his 5s and 6s are blocked in the rear. I pass. Position 3: The score (after 0 games) is: gnubg 0, MusicLover 0
White should not be in a rush to escape. Blue’s position will come crashing down soon enough. White must not create playability for the dilly builders on Blue’s 3pt. He should keep his anchor until Blue has spent the force represented by the stacks on his 3pt, 6pt, and 8pt. That much I would be able to figure out over the board. I am still uncertain, however, that I would have had the insight to play P (Point) = 7/5, 6/5. I don’t think White has to worry about being hit outside. As soon as the hitting starts, White’s strong board will make its presence felt.
Mike | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
