In your first position, I’ll try slotting the 4pt, $ (Slot) = 13/4. It’s safer than the play you made, S (Split) = 24/18 13/10, and also leaves fewer blots. Slotting the 4pt, however, is a mixed bag. You take a big risk, but usually, when you leave a gap on the 5pt, the gain when you cover is not a big enough reward. White can also respond with a tempo hit when he rolls 5, so if slotting is too bold, then the simple running play, R (Run) = 24/15, would be my second choice. | ||||||||||||
As White in your second position, I would have slotted my 4pt, E (Each) = 16/13 6/4, just as your opponent did. Toss in some QF, and I can see how moving up the runner, R (Run) = 24/22 16/13, would put more pressure on Blue’s outer board. That might be good, because that is where Blue is hoping to move his blots. | ||||||||||||
The choice here seems to be whether to leave a blot on the 4pt, C (Cross) = 18/13 10/4, or to leave one on the 7pt, S (Split) = 18/7. Usually, slotting the 4pt would be the better choice. In the early game, a cover there gives you another inside point. In this case, I prefer the flexibility afforded by leaving the blot on the 10pt. Slotting the 7pt, with three direct covers available, seems better than slotting the 4pt, and having only two. Now I’ll tell you the real trouble when you post three “binary” decisions is that my donkey’s chance to get them all right is only 1 in 8! Mike | ||||||||||||
