Bill Robertie’s Blog

Playing a Blitz

Jan 1, 2021 | Backgammon Problems: Blitzes

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.

Studying Your Opponent’s Position

Dec 15, 2020 | Backgammon Problems: Holding Game

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.

Coming Home in a Holding Game

Dec 1, 2020 | Backgammon Problems: Holding Game

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).

Off to an Early Lead

Nov 15, 2020 | Backgammon Problems: Early Game

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.