-
2018 - Position 218
By Chris Bray, Dec 19 2018 3:53PM
XGID=-B-BBbD-C---b---bB-ccb--a-:0:0:1:54:0:0:3:0:10
Money Play. How should Red play 54?
A pay me now, pay me later problem.
17/8 or 8/3, 6/2. White’s board is improving, and Red is running out of time. After 8/3, 6/2 both of Red’s outside points are stripped and the alarm bells should start ringing for him.
This points to 17/8 as the correct play and indeed it is. 8/3, 6/2 is an error. Pay now.
Web feed
Welcome to my blog of interesting backgammon positions.
These will be posted more or less daily and also tweeted. As I add a new position I will give a commentary for the previous one.
Follow me
Please leave your comments by clicking on the word 'comment' beneath the problem..
Readers are invited to send in their own positions for possible inclusion in Position of the Day to Chris.
You are viewing the text version of this site.
To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.
Need help? check the requirements page.
3 Comments
1. Dec 19 2018 4:47PM by Peder
8/3, 62. One move away from yesterday's position.
2. Dec 19 2018 7:53PM by Leo
It's not clear to me that paying later is the best strategy (8/3,6/2). Red is ahead in the race, and burying two checkers now might mean being squeezed off the anchor on the 17pt when white's home board is stronger and more dangerous. I'd run, which is more thematic, especially with the blot on white's 1pt. 17/8
3. Dec 20 2018 3:27PM by Ben
This likely represents Red's best chance to safety one of his back checkers, even @ the expense of leaving a double shot. Only eight hit/cover shots, however. Pay now & avoid a slow death. 17/8.