Every game is a race, or is it?

Simborg · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 408 Location: Chicago

Money game, black to play 6-4...what's your play?

My "usual" play in this situation is to bring a checker out. But Snowie is smart enough to see that since we are behind in the race, racing isn't the best alternative. So the best play is to bring two checkers down. If your opponent does not hit you, you have a very, very strong position. If he does, then you are going to have to come up with another game plan...either a back game, holding game, or try to hit in the future.
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giannisp · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 101 Location: greece

I think I got sth wrong. Ok the other player is ahead in the race ,but
1) It's too early in the game
2) Most important is that he has his back checkers together. Next roll or next 2 rolls he will try to move them for sure. This gives us a chance to hit. Considering we have our 5-point , we have good chances to gain sth from the hitting play. So we must prepare. How ? Either play the 24-18 and 13-7 ( use the lone checker at 7 to make a point or hit) or even make our 2-point.

This is roughly my opinion

LuvChild · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 30 Location: Philadelphia, PA

Don't know if my choice of move (24/18, 13/9) would be considered "wrong" as it's the #2 position according to Snowie. I like splitting the move between the 24 and mid-points for a few reasons:

Like Giannisp said, it's still early in the match and we've already made the white 5pt. To allow to many opportunites to hit on their side of the board means we don't get the opportunity to use this position of power. By putting pressure on our opponent from both sides of the baord we force them to make the difficult decisions (namely, hitting open on our the bar point and/or bringing a back checker out that could be readily hit and covered).

Obviously, some of this depends on your opponent, but if I have an opponent who errs even remotely on the conservative side this play makes even more sense; namely, make the tough decisions happen on the other side of the board by applying pressure from both ends at this early stage in the match.

giannisp · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 101 Location: greece

Yes,in my opinion 24-18 , 13-9 would be a nice move. Or make your two point . ( although the previous post convinced me about 24-18,13-9 )

I have just a question . A month or two ago there were updates and posts every day. Now , I see one every week or two? Has sth happened or I have problems with my browser?