Position 420

 How should White play 54 here:

It is always disappointing to miss when you have a double shot at a blot. But there is nothing you can do about that; you missed so you need to focus on finding the best play.

The safe play is 6/1 6/2:

But this is just too safe. You need to hit a blot as you are so far behind in the race, and when you hit that blot you need a board that has no blots in it. This move changes your board from a 4 point board to a 3 point board with a blot.

You could minimise the chances that your opponent will hit you by playing 18/13 18/14:

But to win, you need to hit and to hit you really want to maximise contact. This move does the opposite and minimises contact.

You need to be aware that Black’s board has 2 open points. That means if you are hit, with one checker you will enter on 20 numbers or 56% of the time.

Consider 13/8 13/9:

This move retains your 18 point, which is back far enough that it will take many rolls for Black to get their 2 checkers on their 21 point past your 18 point.

You would rather not be here, but even if you are, those 2 open points in Black’s board, should give you the ability to enter and still have shots at Black.

If black hits you, they will not have safetied the blot on their 13 point. And if they safety the blot on their 13 point, they will not have hit you unless they roll 55 or 44.

This is a bold move, but sometimes in backgammon you have to take a risk.




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