Position 473

 How should White play 41 here:

When your opponent has a 5 prime, you really want to get to the edge of it, particularly if the sixth point is slotted. Because of this, you consider 5/1 24/23:

But what is Black likely to do here? Unless Black rolls 65 or 55 and puts you on the bar, then Black will lift the checker on their 8 point and move checkers into the outfield. This will result in Black controlling the outfield, and you will have to try to escape into the outfield and then avoid being hit. That just sounds too hard and unlikely to succeed.

Consider 5/1 9/8*:

You do not get to the edge of the prime, but Black has a 69% chance of staying on the bar. All you will have to do is roll that 1 and get to the edge of the prime. Then you will be able to either wait until you roll a 6 and then give Black a tough double. It will usually be a double that they should pass, but you will get some takes.

This is a tough position as it seems so obvious to get to the edge of the prime.




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Position 467

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