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3 x 5 backgammon puzzle

Posted By: Nack Ballard
Date: Monday, 21 June 2010, at 5:25 p.m.

In Response To: 3 x 5 backgammon puzzle (Stein Kulseth)

From the starting position of backgammon, what is the least number of moves by which both players can obtain THREE checkers on each of FIVE points?

Extra credit:

Given that least number of moves,

(a) Produce a solution with as large a difference in pipcount (between the two players) as possible.
(b) Produce a solution with as small a difference in pipcount as possible.

Stein responded,

3 full moves

You are correct, sir!

...for extra credit B (min diff) it is fairly easy to get 0 pip difference

Bravo -- 0 pips is indeed correct, but I just want to verify: Did you make sure that the player going first rolls a non-doublet (following the rules of backgammon)?

Did anyone else find the 0-pip solution?

The jury's still out on extra credit A (max diff)

Yup. So far, 6 pips is the biggest difference, found by you. :)

Nack

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