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“Reading every word, slowly studying each diagram and following your analysis was invaluable to strengthening not only my checker play but my understanding of fundamental backgammon.”
Bill Robertie welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge of backgammon with experienced players and beginners alike.
On his blog, Robertie publishes set and equipment reviews, creates quiz contests and provides free lessons. He would be remiss not to include his Robertie’s Rules! He also educates readers of the Gammon Press blog on the history of the game, offers backgammon instruction and more.
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Cash game, White owns cube. White to play 2-1.
This position 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.
Cash game, Black owns cube. White on roll.
This problem isn’t difficult, but it contains some interesting points. The right play is 21/13. Remaking the midpoint creates a fluid, well-connected position that’s relatively easy to play compared to alternatives. White has chances to make the 3-point, and some other rolls that make the bar-point. He gets some outfield coverage in case Black’s next roll is 6-3 or 6-4. He blocks Black’s best roll, 6-6, turning it from a game-changer into merely a good shot.
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From the November 2024 blog post, here’s a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach.
Cash game. White to play 5-1
Cash game. White to Play 5-1
These two positions show a routine situation in the early middle game. Both sides have an anchor, and the race is very close. White’s position is slightly preferable since he has better chances of establishing a block against Black’s anchor.
White’s roll of 5-1 is a pretty routine shot and he has two obvious choices: 9/3, starting the 3-point, and 13/8 9/8, playing safe while keeping all checkers is front of Black. Of these two plays, 9/3 is slightly better; 13/8 9/8 creates a big stack which will prove awkward in some of the upcoming variations. In the middle game, we try to avoid creating big stacks unless alternatives are really weak. There’s nothing structurally wrong with 9/3, so it’s a better play here.
Here’s a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach.
Cash game. White to play 5-1
Cash game. White to Play 5-1
