Position 437

 How should White play 41 here:

You cannot split 24/20, as that is too dangerous.

You consider leaving no blots by playing 10/5:

The problem with this play is you have not made it hard for Black to do anything. You are preparing to make new points or attack next roll – if you get the chance. When I consider a play, I ask myself, “what am I hoping my opponent will roll if I make this play?” Here I cannot easily see a bad roll for Black.

You can add another blocking point by playing 13/9 10/9:

Now Black can only hit you with 66, 33 or 65. 66 and 33 are good rolls for Black whether Black hits you or not. 65 is duplicated because it makes Black’s 18 point as well as hitting you.

Again, the problem is that you have not taken the initiative away from Black, and they will have many good options.

Consider 6/2*/1*:

You might have rejected this double hitting move because Black has the stronger board than you do. But remember Black only has one more inner board point than you, and you have your superior 5 point.

The advantage of this play is that you completely take the initiative away from Black. If Black misses the blot on your 1 point, then you will cover it with any 7, 9 or 12.

You do need to split to your 20 point at some point in the game. This will be much easier to do if Black is on the bar against at least a 4 point board. This move looks risky, and it is, but it gives you the best chance of advancing your checkers to your 20 point.