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BGonline.org Forums
MCG vs. neilkaz 11
Posted By: Coolrey In Response To: MCG vs. neilkaz 11 (Matt Cohn-Geier)
Date: Monday, 3 August 2009, at 2:55 p.m.
Matt, you should spend too much time worrying about positions like these! It makes very little difference how you play it...
But if you want to learn how, why not save the position and play the bot ten times from it and similar confusing positions for you? You will gain considerable logic and insight that way.
In this type of game White will want to slot the back of the prime not caring if he gets hit because it retards his timing. Also if he can make it, it will advance your timing and possibly crunch you.
With those two thoughts in mind, and the fact that nothing is sure in backgammon... Even though it looks like you MUST play a backgame to win, allow for the POSSIBILITY to go forward but be poised to sacrifice that plan at a moment's notice.
I would hit three and step to the edge. 4 checkers are now ready to leap with any subsequent 6. If you don't get a 6, then realize that you may be slotting the 4 point from the bar point to get your timing... Or, you might be playing a 42 6/2, 5/3... or some similar "dildonian defense" play.
If you are fortunate to pop a couple sixes while Opp is tossing 15, 16, then you may be able to switch to a front game building your prime just as Neil's is crumbling.
You will note that Neil has cleverly left the cube in the middle so you have no leverage if things go your way. He is comfortable in his own skin enough to know that if things go well he will gammon you up, and if not it'll be like 4-1/11. Basically, you are in trouble son... Especially because of your opponent!
It is not hopeless however, so just try to keep your options open and release your men if possible. If not, be prepared to get all 15 sent back! If you can only get 13 sent back the other two will end up on your ACE point, which is bad... So commit unreservedly to whatever game plan the dice deliver to you, and stay alert. ENJOY playing the BEST, and WATCH him. See how he handles himself, the checkers, the cube... How does it differ from you?
Notice that he is not stressing over every miniscule checker play, (like you are?), and allows the game to flow. No big decisions, no cube ponderage every play... Just F L O W. When it is time to make a decision watch him sit and make it and move on...
Then, try to play better next game!
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