Bill Robertie's Blog | The Gammon Press

Which Point to Break?

Jun 15, 2023 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game

Cash game, Black owns the cube.

White to play 6-2.

Early Blitz Cube – Take or Drop?

Jun 1, 2023 | Backgammon Problems: Blitzes

Cash game, Center cube.

Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver?

In this position we have an opening blitz with a few little twists we don’t always see in such situations. Let’s quickly review the features of the position and look at which are important and which are not.

Hit or Make a Point?

May 15, 2023 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game

Cash game, White owns the cube.

White to play 3-1.

White has a simple choice in this position: hit with 13/9*, or wait and make a point with 15/12 13/12. Last time we looked at some choices between hitting a blot or making a point in the context of early game play. This position occurs much later in the game, but, as it turns out, the very same principles are still useful. Let’s again list the criteria we explained last time, and see how they apply to this position.

Hit or Make a Point?

May 1, 2023 | Backgammon Problems: Early Game

Cash game, center cube.

(a) White to play 3-1.

(b) Same position, White to play 3-2.

Here we see a typical sort of early game position where neither side has made much progress yet. Black has played a 5-3 and a 6-3, making the 3-point and running a checker into the outfield. White has rolled a 5-1, balancing his builders and splitting his back men.