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Dubrovnik Invitational #1

Posted By: Nack Ballard
Date: Tuesday, 26 January 2010, at 5:05 p.m.

In Response To: Dubrovnik Invitational #1 (Leonardo Jerkovic)

The conditions of this position scream for U (Up, 24/20 24/22) to me: Yellow's best four-point board, the double-threat to Brown's 9pt blot, his stripped 8pt and 7pt, duplication of 2s (to point on the 5pt or hit twice), and Yellow's disadvantage in a priming battle.

Regarding the priming battle, Yellow is down 4 pips after the play, but if she doesn't get a back checker out (equalizing one checker back for both sides), she loses about 20 pips of timing. Therefore, the counterpriming play of 13/11 13/9 is out. It is imperative that Yellow move up at least one of her two back checkers.

If Yellow's board were less strong, I'd go for S (Split, 24/20 13/11) -- or perhaps Z (reverse split, 24/22 13/9), depending on the exact position. But as it is, I like U. The downside is that Yellow is worse off if she is pointed on and fans, but if in the process of pointing Brown leaves a blot on his 9pt and/or 8pt, Yellow gets additional shots off the roof she wouldn't otherwise have, and if she doesn't hit she might make a better anchor than the 24pt.

This is the time to make a stand, while one's own board has already gelled and the opponent's hasn't.

Nack

Messages In This Thread

• Dubrovnik Invitational #1
  Leonardo Jerkovic -- Monday, 25 January 2010, at 5:15 a.m.
  • Dubrovnik Invitational #1
    John O'Hagan -- Monday, 25 January 2010, at 4:51 p.m.
  • Dubrovnik Invitational #1
    garyo -- Monday, 25 January 2010, at 5:26 p.m.
  • Dubrovnik Invitational #1
    neilkaz -- Monday, 25 January 2010, at 5:29 p.m.
  • Dubrovnik Invitational #1
    Nack Ballard -- Tuesday, 26 January 2010, at 5:05 p.m.