Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned.

Often in the opening you’ll escape one of your two back checkers, and then find yourself in a type of position we call “One Man Back”. These positions can be tricky. If you roll a big number, should you make a bid for escaping and run the last checker out, or leave him back and make some sort of building play on your side of the board?

Running with the last back checker is a strong default play, but there will be occasions where some other idea dominates. Take a look at the next position.

White to play 6-3.

Here White can run with 24/15 or start his 4-point with 13/4. Let’s run through a list of key factors and see how they apply to this position.

The race – White will lead by seven pips after playing 6-3. That’s not much but it’s something. Slightly favors running.

Black’s pressure – Nonexistent since Black’s almost in the starting position. Favors making some other good play if it’s available.

How many and what kind of hits if you run? – Black has all threes plus 2-1, 6-2, and 4-4, a total of 16 shots. The number of shots is neutral, but almost all are good shots, bringing a builder or two down from the midpoint. (Only 6-2 is an awkward hit.) Favors making some other good play.

Does opponent have a high anchor? – Yes, which favors doing something else.

How good is play B? – Play B is 13/4, which is fine. It unstacks a big stack and starts the next point in White’s board.

Solution: Only White’s slight racing lead favors running, while everything else points to making another play if it’s constructive. Building with 13/4 fits the bill, and it’s the right move by a lot.