                         |
| ||||
| XGID=-a---BD-BA--eD---bBdab----:0:0:1:42:0:0:0:0:10 | |||||
| Blue to play 42 | |||||
There are probably many ways to reach this position. The first perfectly played sequence I discovered was this:
| Turn | Blue | White |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41S = split = 24/23, 13/9 | 63R = run = 24/15 |
| 2 | 65@ = anchor = 24/18, 23/18 | 51$ = slot = 15/10, 6/5 |
| 3 | 31P = point = 8/5, 6/5 | 64P = point = 10/4, 8/4 |
| 4 | 42 = ? |
If Blue makes his 4pt, he will have the best three-point board. After that play, White could hit with 7 and 8, but there are only 6 of those: 62, 61, and 52. Other 6s also play well for White, allowing him to bid for an escape. After White runs with 63 or 64, Blue will have only a single direct shot at the fleeing checker.
Otherwise, Blue can play two down from the midpoint, D = 13/11, 13/9. This would make his 9pt, and leave only 2 shots: 64. Were White to run with a roll of 63, Blue would get a double shot. Running with 61 would give Blue multiple direct shots.
For me, White's blot on his 5pt tips the balance. If White hits outside, Blue gets a direct shot at that blot from the bar.
I make the 4pt.
Mike