Position 450

 How should White play 22 here:

Small doubles are always the hardest dice to play as there are so many different candidate moves. For this discussion I will limit it to the top 3 moves. All the themes are there in the various alternatives.

You really wanted to hit but the dice did not cooperate, so now you must make the best of the options available.

Once you enter bar/23, you do not want to advance the checker on your 23 point as you will still be behind in the race and by staying on the 23 point, you make it harder for Black to put their checkers safely behind you.

Your biggest asset in this position is that you have your 5 point and therefore have the stronger board. After the roll you will still be behind in the race, so you would like to hit one of Black’s blots.

This position is very tactical, so duplication is important. You need to look at each resulting position, seeing if you can duplicate Black’s good numbers and maximise the pressure you put on Black.

Consider bar/23 13/11(2) 9/7:

Now Black cannot play a 3 from their 17 point, but they already have a good 3 by playing 8/5 making their 5 point.

If Black cannot move from their 17 point; they will have 2 builders aimed at Black’s blot. This may seem small, but every number really counts.

Consider bar/23 13/9 6/4:

The downside of this play is that if there is an exchange of hits, you would rather not have an inner board blot. You will have two builders aimed at Blacks blot on your 8 point if they are unable to move it.

Consider bar/23 13/9 13/11:

Now you will have three builders aimed at Black’s blot on your 8 point. Black can hit your blot on your 11 point with a 3 but 3s are duplicated to play 8/5 making their 5 point and 5/2* attacking your rear most checker.

If you do hit any of Black’s blots, then it is good to have your 9 point as it forms part of your blocking structure, which will make it harder for Black to escape from your inner board.

This is the correct move.