When your opponent makes his 5pt in the early game, the need to make a major split is almost always much less than when he makes his 4pt or 5pt. You make the major split against a budding prime, and much less often against a made 3pt with a double gap. This position could be one of the exceptions, however, because White has also made his bar point. But take a look. When you enter on the 5pt, the White checkers that are now locked up on the bar point suddenly become semi-active builders. White would gladly use them to point on your head, and, depending on the dice, would have the choice to hit loose with one of them in case he could not point. The race is still close, and if you play the 5 down from the midpoint, you would have the better builder alignment for making another point in your prime field. As well, your checker on the 23pt would threaten White’s blot, so his flexibility would be reduced. If right, this line of thinking suggests entering on the 2pt. Mike | ||||||||||||
