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42 to play vs. a 1/2 backgame

Posted By: ah_clem
Date: Sunday, 5 May 2019, at 10:47 p.m.

In Response To: 42 to play vs. a 1/2 backgame (John O'Hagan)

Mobility and pure play are the pole star(s) for backgames. Making the four point is the pure play, or at least slotting it. But if hit, blue's mobility takes a big hit. The quiet play, 13/9 13/11 is not so pure and leaves the ugly gap on the four point, but exposes fewer shots.

If white's board were weaker or stronger, the decision would be easier. With her strong-ish board it's a tougher call.

Against a human, I'll slot and cover the nine. While the nine is not so useful, it is a point amd it gives her a lot of difficult decisions depending on what she rolls. Break anchor to hit and lose timing? It's a bit early for the shot, but maybe hitting is right.

13/9 6/4