This is a tough choice. Thanks for posting it Bob.
The score (after 0 games) is: GMU_bg 0, user 0
Move number 4: user to play 54
| GMU_bg | 161 |
|---|---|
| |
| user | 162 |
Position ID: 4PPgASjgc+QBIg Match ID: cIkSAAAAAAAA | |
13-9 with the four looks terrible. I don’t like leaving 7,8,9 & 10 to hit. 6-2* doesn’t feel right. If I am going to hit loose, I want to do it on the ace where only aces hit back. So, I will move 24-20 and then look around for the best five.
21-16, 20-15, 13-8 & 6-1* all look reasonable to me. I’ll dismiss 6-1* first. The tempo doesn’t look particularly valuable facing only a handful of POH numbers. Doublets POH anyway. And, it doesn’t separate the back checkers as it does after a 24-18 split.
After an opening 51S 43 is best played U (24-20, 24-21). Note that playing 13-8 reaches this position with the bonus of a 52D (13-11, 13-8) play. I find this appealing. I am near certain I would have made this play OTB. However, look at the position after 51S, 43U and assume that blue is on move.
The score (after 0 games) is: GNU_bg 0, user 0
Move number 3: user on roll, cube decision?
| GNU_bg | 161 |
|---|---|
| |
| user | 160 |
Position ID: 4PPgASjgc/ABBQ Match ID: cAkAAAAAAAAA | |
If blue doesn’t roll something which makes a point, what is his plan? It looks like the general idea is to run into the outfield leaving blots there if needed rather than bringing down checkers from the mid-point. Since 13-8 doesn’t really do anything constructive anyway, I don't think it is right.
If one of the back checkers runs into the outfield, I expect opponent will hit loose on many rolls. Usually when you know the attack is coming, it is a little better to be on the lower point (e.g. an opening 4-3). This implies 20-15 is best.
My choice is 24-15.