Bill Robertie

5-Prime versus 5-Prime

Apr 1, 2019 | Backgammon Problems: Priming Games

White – Pips 105 (-10)

Black – Pips 115 (+10)
Black to Play 2-1This problem shows us one of the most interesting middle game positions possible: both sides have a 5-prime, and neither side has an anchor. The play will be razor-sharp, and gammons will be floating in the air for both Black and White.

What are the goals in these positions? Here’s what the players are trying to do, arranged roughly in order of importance:
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Gino Scalamandre – A Remembrance

Mar 16, 2019 | Backgammon Generally

Gino Scalamandre passed away last month at the age of 87. Gino was a member of the very first group of backgammon giants who dominated the game in the 1960s and 1970s, along with players like Tim Holland, Oswald Jacoby, and Joe Dwek. Gino was a fixture at all the big international tournaments of that era and won many. In the first ‘unofficial’ listing of the world’s best players in a 1972 issue of Harper’s, Gino was securely in the top 10.

When to Make an Early Double

Mar 1, 2019 | Backgammon Problems: Early Game

White – Pips 173 (+38)

Black – Pips 135 (-38)
Black on roll. Cube action?Proper doubles in the very early stages of the game are somewhat unusual. It takes some time to build an advantage strong enough to turn the cube. Most correct early doubles come from blitz positions, where one side rolls a quick double, makes a couple of inner-board points, and catches his opponent on the bar. Here the attacker gets enough gammon chances to compensate for the fact that he still doesn’t have a big positional edge.

Creating Checkers to Move

Feb 15, 2019 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game

White – Pips 134 (-1)

Black – Pips 135 (+1)
Black to Play 5-3

This problem isn’t difficult, but it contains some interesting points. The right play is just 21/13. Remaking the midpoint creates a fluid, well-connected position that’s relatively easy to play compared to alternatives. Black has chances to make the 3-point, and some other rolls that make the bar-point. He gets some outfield coverage in case White’s next roll is 6-3 or 6-4. He blocks White’s best roll, 6-6, turning it from a game-changer into merely a good shot.

Taking Risks in a Holding Game

Feb 1, 2019 | Backgammon Problems: Holding Game

(A) Black to play 5-1.

White – Pips 148 (-5)

Black – Pips 153 (+5)
Black to Play 5-1Problem A shows a routine position in an early holding game. Both sides have an anchor, and the race is very close. Black’s position is slightly preferable since more of his checkers are arrayed in front of White’s anchor, and he therefore has better chances of establishing a blockade.