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Please Sir, I have a question?
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From time to time questions raised in the online backgammon school come up that require the expertise of one of our tutors, one such question is what can be loosely termed a dilemma question.
The position is this Green is only 5 pips behind his home board; this is a position that would necessitate a GO strategy with the opposition precariously positioned on a 4 point. In this instant Do I stay put or do I make a run for it?
What should I do?
Hmm…this position would seem to be obvious, race for it, but in doing so don't leave yourself open? By running you get away from the possibility of being hit by several numbers that could make a point on your head, and possibly more which would allow your opponent to pick and pass you.
In certain cases, to stay and sweat it out to see what happens could be seen as the right action, but it can be too risky, the only reason ever to do this is when you are so far behind that the only possible way to win is to hit and to hit hard, running is the best option as it avoids the element of being burnt.
I know about blocks and primes, but how and when should I use them?
The best way is to build as mainly points in a row in front of the opposition's pieces as you can. This prevents them from getting away. Try to build your block in the following sequence, 5, 4, and 7. Make the 5 point first as it establishes the foundations for the others, then the 4 or 7 point. After you have made 6 points in a row (a full prime) it's impossible for the opposition to get away as long as you have the prime in place.
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