88 Park Avenue, Suite 302 | Arlington, MA 02476 | 781-641-2091

The premier source for backgammon books, lessons & blog problems.

“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.”

Playing Blocking Games

Sep 1, 2021 | Backgammon Problems: Middle Game

 

Cash game, center cube, White on roll.

Part (a): White to play 4-3.

Part (b): White to play 5-1.

Both sides have anchors on the opposing 3-points, and both sides have established a few points in front of the enemy anchor. I like to call these ‘Block versus Block’ positions, to distinguish them from the better-known ‘Prime versus Prime’ positions.

The types of positions share a few common characteristics. Both sides will have to consider moves that run off the anchor, because staying too long on the anchor can cause their own blockade to crack for lack of timing. Both sides will look for ways to make new blocking points, but usually they will have to surrender an old point to make a new one. Both sides will have an eye on the doubling cube, but since the starting position is so balanced, a good double will usually require a series of bad rolls by one side and good rolls by the other side.

The big difference between priming and blocking games can be seen here. Both sides have dumped a few checkers behind their opponent’s anchor, and hence don’t have enough checkers left to form a full prime or even a 5-point prime. The dead checkers require each side to use the remaining checkers with great precision; apparently risky plays become commonplace because of the need to put the remaining checkers to work.

Let’s start with Part (a), White to play a 4-3. The obvious 6/2 5/2 is exactly the sort of play we don’t want to make under these conditions. True, it makes a point, but it’s a point behind our opponent, and to make it we kill two checkers that should be used to either make the 4-point (in front of our opponent) or attack (if Black later runs out with a checker.) Now White is left with a stripped position and only one checker (on the 15-point) that can easily move. Plays like this are what cause winnable games to slip away.

Instead, White should take the opportunity to play 22/15! White runs into the outfield, while leaving only one checker around the board that can be attacked. Black has some rolls that hit, and some rolls that cover the 2-point, but very few rolls that do both. The game then becomes a struggle where Black has to attack, and White just tries to escape. With the open 5-point and the blot on the 2-point, Black has a lot of work to do, and he must work quickly.

Notice one key to this position: 22/15 actually anchors in the outfield. If running out left a couple of blots in the outfield, the play would be much more dangerous. Now Black has no extra blots to pick up in the future, making his attack much less dangerous. The annoying blot on the 2-point also plays a big role in making this seemingly loose play correct.

Now on to Play (b): White to play 5-1. Here the back checkers are stuck so we must work with the front checkers. There are two bad plays available: 15/10 6/5 and 7/2 7/6. Recognize that these have to be bad and the right play will suggest itself. 7/2 7/6 breaks White’s block unnecessarily. That’s a no-no. The other play, 15/10 6/5, creates an ugly stack on the 5-point, making further improvement much more difficult. These are plays you make when your opponent’s board is very strong and you simply must not get hit. That’s not the case here. Black has only a 3-point board plus a blot. You’re not eager to get hit, but it’s certainly not a disaster. Look for better.

And better is pretty easy to find. Just play 15/10 5/4! By slotting the 4-point, you give Black minimal shots and look to extend your block. Black has only one hit and cover number (6-1) which happens to be the only number that hits two checkers. Nice duplication.

After this play, Black will mostly just cover the 2-point, after which you will mostly cover your 4-point, and the game will go on. Instead of a stripped-out position, however, you’ll have bought yourself some time and spares. That’s how these positions are won.

 

 

Search

The Gammon Press

Use the form to search books, blogs, and resources.

Browse blog categories using the drop-down.

Featured

Titles