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Here we’re returning to the theme of the previous post: a late game blitz with a choice of hitting outside or making a point inside. (In this case, making the inside point also has the nice advantage of putting a checker in the air at the same time.) These problems are inherently very difficult, and require looking at all the features of the position before making a decision.
Money game, Black owns the cube, White on roll.
Black to play 2-2.
This position shows an interesting blitz situation. Black’s been caught with a checker on the bar, another exposed blot in White’s home board, and a third blot in his own outfield. White has a three point board with a fourth point slotted, plus a few builders on hand.
Money game, Black owns the cube, White on roll.
White to play 6-1.
If Black were helpless, White would have a strong attack. Unlike the case with an opening blitz, however, Black actually has a position here, with a strong board and a four-point block. If White’s blitz fails, Black will get the upper hand very quickly.
This position shows a pretty normal-looking mutual holding game. White was two pips down in the race (114-112) prior to rolling. But he fired a great shot, double-fives, which moved him to an 18-pip lead. What should he do?
Money game, center cube, White on roll.
White to play 5-5.
These next two positions show a couple of closely related holding game situations. Black has the 20-point, but now he’s got a man stuck on the bar. White has a nice 5-point board, and a couple of blots not in direct range of Black’s anchor. He also has the 9-point, which was an asset for a while, but is now a liability to be cleared. How much risk should he be willing to take while Black is on the bar?
Money game, Black owns the cube, White on roll.
(A) White to play 6-5, 6-3, 5-4, 5-3, 5-2, and 3-2.
(B) Slightly different position, White to play all the same numbers as in (A).
White is off to a good start in this position. He’s neatly filled in his 3, 4, and 5-points, making a strong home board. Black has only managed to escape one back checker, getting it as far as his 8-point.
Money game, center cube, White on roll.
(a) Should White double? If he does, should Black take?
(b) Assume White doubles and Black takes. How should White play the following rolls:
6-6
4-4
2-2
6-4
6-2
4-3
These next two positions show an unusual holding game situation, with Black’s board somewhat collapsed while he still has outfield points to clear. As compensation for his messy position, Black is ahead by 35 pips in the race, and as such is a solid favorite no matter how White plays.
(A) Money game, White owns a 2-cube.
White to play 6-4.
(B) Money game, White owns a 2-cube.
White to play 6-4.
