I forgot to include the experts opinions on this play:
Woolsey: Ring also has an interesting choice. A good case could be made for concentrating on the offense with Bar/23, 2(6/4), 11/9. Senk would find it difficult to cover the 5 pt. conveniently since his 8 pt. is stripped, and even if he makes the point Ring's builders would be excellently placed to maintain his lead in the board building battle. By hitting & splitting the runner Ring once again makes a move toward an advanced anchor, as well as sending a 3rd man back & making it virtually impossible for Senk to get his board going for the next couple of rolls. However, he does make it easier for Senk to make an advanced anchor of his own. Even if Senk makes that advanced anchor, Ring's men are well distributed to make progress on both sides of the board, so I'll give the nod to Ring's hitting play.
Goulding: I am strongly tempted to pass up hitting & make the 4 pt, but I can't quite justify it. There is an interesting sub-plot here, though. If you do make the 4 pt, how should you play the final deuce? I'd go with 23/21.
Robertie: An unusual position which calls for an unusual play. 19 times out of 20, hitting on the 20-point is correct. Here, I think, Black does slightly better with Bar/23 6/4(2) 24/22. After that play, Black has structure and may get another crack at the blot on the 20 pt. anyway.
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| Board image courtesy of GO-Figure | |