Backgammon Test - Question & Answers
Question 1:
Please open your backgammon board and set up the above position. It's Red's turn and has rolled a "double 6". Note that Blue has one hit checker on the bar. How will you play?
Backgammon Test - Question & Answers |
Answer 1:This "double 6" is a perfect roll for Red. He covers his own two-point from Blue's five-point, making a six point prime and now has to decide what to do with the fourth 6. Most players would move a checker from Blue's one-point. It looks reasonable to do this, but here is a position where Red's offense is so strong that he should abandon his defense for an all-out attack, using the fourth six to hit the blot on his own one-point and send a second checker to the bar. If Blue is allowed to establish on R1, he will have a strong game, and can be a threat to the end. Double 1's might be a disaster for Red, but it is well worth the risk. In most games a critical position arises somewhere along the line when it is vital to take advantage of an opportunity. Here is such a position. Under any circumstances - tournament, chouette, or head-to-head, wouldn't you, as Blue, sigh with relief if Red made B7 and allowed you a chance to establish on your one-point? This kind of reasoning can often aid you in making the correct play. From Ed's Backgammon Problems |
