Position 424

 How should White play 11 here:

Black has 12 checkers in the attack zone, ready to make new points and put you on the bar. It is understandable that you would like the security of an anchor, so you consider 24/20:

After the roll you will be behind in the race by 14 pips. Black will be threatening to escape on every roll an increase that race lead. If Black does run into the outfield, and is hit, then Black will enter with 32/36 rolls. For Black, the consequence of being hit in the outfield is just a minor inconvenience.

You need to improve your board strength, so that if Black runs and is hit, there is more of a price to pay. Consider 8/7(2) 6/5(2):

Now 64 and 62 for Black, no longer escape into the outfield.

If Black does escape into the outfield, being hit will slow her down more because you now have a 3 point board rather than just a 2 point board.

You are also threatening to make your slotted 8 point.

Although Black can hit you, if Black hits you with any combination of 6, 5 or 4 except 44, then Black will leave a direct return shot from the bar. Even if Black double hits you, you will still have a direct return shot from the bar.

It looks right to play 24/20, but sometimes making the 20 point anchor is not your highest priority.





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Position 420

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