[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums

32 to play

Posted By: Chuck Bower
Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026, at 8:44 p.m.

In Response To: 32 to play (John O'Hagan)

I find this tricky to work out OtB.

As a baseline, Robertie's Advanced Backgammon, 2nd edition, volume 2 page 9 (position 203) states that a 20-pt hold vs. two on the 8-pt and three on the 6-pt leads to a *hit* 10% of the time. That position also likely leads to a phantom (single checker) 20-pt holding game so it's still relevant here.

Staying leads to an immediate shot if White rolls {66,65,42,22} (= 6/36). 55 and 44 clear the outfield (= 2/36). The remaining 28 rolls keep the 8-pt and 6-pt, many of which add a spare to one of those points.

Playing 20/15 gives immediate shots on {61,66(dbl-shot),65,22,42}. Call this 9/36 to account for the double shot after 66. Is there a downside? Gammons aren't likely and getting sent to the bar still results in possible later shots, especially by staying on the bar or entering on the 22-pt.

Stopping on the 18-pt doesn't appear to add any immediate blot leaving rolls for White and loses 61 as direct shots. You probably won't choose to stay there for future help either.

White's homeboard blot and two open points seem to argue for:

20/15.

Messages In This Thread

 

Post Response
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Subject:
Message:

If necessary, enter your password below:

Password:
 

 

[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.