The Views Of An Expert

by Dorn Bishop
13 November 2000

Editor's Note: Mr. Dorn Bishop is a world class Backgammon expert who plays almost daily online at the GamesGrid Backgammon server under the nickname of dorn. A member of GammonVillage, Dorn was the runner-up at this year's Nevada State Championship Tournament in Las Vegas where he also won the Limited Jackpot "A". We wish to thank Dorn for this article which provides us with insight on how a professional player evaluates his options in deciding his moves. The following are positions from money games and therefore match score doesn't not come into effect. Dorn is playing Red in each position.

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Michael Strato: Hi Dorn, in this position, right after you double, you rolled 6-2 and played 8/2* 8/6. I like the move but I think many players would have moved 13/5. What's the strategy here?

Red to play 6-2

Money game
Pip Count - White 139 - Red 98
Red to play 6-2
Dorn Bishop: White's strong board has to be respected. If I get hit, it is pretty much curtains with White holding the cube. Unfortunately, I have no "safe" play. I can either leave a single blot by playing 13/5, leaving 16 hitting numbers (all 1s, 6-3, 3-3, and 6-5), or I can leave two blots by playing 8/2*, 8/6, leaving only 12 hitting numbers (2s plus 4-4). A third option is to play 8/2*, 13/11, which starts to clear the midpoint. But I rejected that because it creates 3 blots, leaves 13 hitting numbers (all 2s plus 4-1), and leaves only one direct cover number (6s) for the 2 point.
 

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