Tournament Report - 2010 BIBA World Championships

A delightful account! Of the positions here, I found the first one the most difficult. Bar/18 is often right in these kinds of positions. It is not exactly a triple shot---as you noted, White's 6-2 does not hit if played properly, and several other rolls similarly do not hit. The idea is to try to challenge White's stripped outfield points and outfield blot, in order to get a shot immediately if possible, instead of allowing White to strengthen his position in peace. Suppose we were to shift Black's 8 point to his 4 point and lift Black's 9-point blot to his 7 point. Then bar/18 would probably be correct. In addition to having more checkers back, Black would have the stronger board and would have less time to wait for a shot. A bold play would be indicated and playing 7/1 with the 6 would be weak. In the given position, however, Black's board is weaker, 9/3 is not destructive, and Black has more time to wait for a later shot when his board gets stronger.