Position 439

 How should White play 22 here:

You have just rolled a great number, but you must be careful to play it correctly, as doubles give you so many choices of how to play. It is like you get to play two rolls in a row.

First you consider 13/7 13/11:

The problem with this play is that if black hits you by rolling a 6 or 33, not only do they hit you, but they also escape one of their checkers on their 23 point. They really need to escape a checker from the 23 point to give them enough timing and mobility, so you want to avoid moves that allow them to hit and escape.

Also, black hits you with any 6, but this number is not duplicated.

Consider 13/7 8/6:

This is better because Black can no longer hit and escape with a checker from the 23 point.

The problem with this play is that it is a priming move when after the roll you will be ahead in the race by 50 pips. Also, it can be hard to clear your 7 point when Black has your 2 point.

Consider 13/11(2) 8/6 7/5:

Now you have duplicated 3s as 43 and 32 can be used by black to make their 4 point.

You have avoided making your 7 point, and so are not priming black, instead you are making another inner board point. You have not made your 7 point which can be hard to clear against a 23 point anchor.

You have left the minimum number of hitting rolls for Black and given yourself a good 6 if Black does not hit your blot on your 5 point. This is the correct move.