game 3 - ukbgf · robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. trouble is...

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Game 3 11 point match, Score is robin swaffield: 6, andy darby: 0 With a significant points difference in the match, both players will be looking to alter their checker play and cube actions. Andy should be playing for more gammonish positions and looking to send the cube over early at the hint of a gammon. Robin, on the other hand will be making gammon-safe moves such as making an advanced anchor a priority and will be wary of doubling in volatile positions when a recube to 4 would be a distinct possibility. 41: 13/9 6/5 XGID=-b----E-C---eE---c-e----B-:0:0:-1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=167-167 1. Book 1 24/23 13/9 eq: +0.191 Player: Opponent: 49.77% (G:13.75% B:0.55%) 50.23% (G:13.30% B:0.56%) 2. Book 1 13/9 6/5 eq: +0.167 (-0.024) Player: Opponent: 49.20% (G:13.72% B:0.56%) 50.80% (G:14.34% B:0.90%) With a 21, the slot is absolutely correct. The 41 slot does not create more gammons than the split (13.72 cf 13.75%) and loses more games. However I cannot fault Andy here and I would make the same play. The games that follow can lead to more volatility (and in my opinion more interest) so the scope for Robin to make a big error, especially with the cube is increased 52: 24/22 13/8

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Page 1: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

Game 3

11 point match, Score is robin swaffield: 6, andy darby: 0

With a significant points difference in the match, both players will be looking to alter their checker play and cube actions. Andy should be playing for more gammonish positions and looking to send the cube over early at the hint of a gammon. Robin, on the other hand will be making gammon-safe moves such as making an advanced anchor a priority and will be wary of doubling in volatile positions when a recube to 4 would be a distinct possibility.

41: 13/9 6/5

XGID=-b----E-C---eE---c-e----B-:0:0:-1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=167-167

1. Book1 24/23 13/9 eq: +0.191

Player: Opponent:

49.77% (G:13.75% B:0.55%) 50.23% (G:13.30% B:0.56%)

2. Book1 13/9 6/5 eq: +0.167 (-0.024)

Player: Opponent:

49.20% (G:13.72% B:0.56%) 50.80% (G:14.34% B:0.90%)

With a 21, the slot is absolutely correct. The 41 slot does not create more gammons than the split (13.72 cf 13.75%) and loses more games. However I cannot fault Andy here and I would make the same play. The games that follow can lead to more volatility (and in my opinion more interest) so the scope for Robin to make a big error, especially with the cube is increased

52: 24/22 13/8

Page 2: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-b----E-C---dE--ac-da---B-:0:0:1:52:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=167-162

1. 4-ply 24/22 13/8 eq: -0.496

Player: Opponent:

43.23% (G:10.90% B:0.50%) 56.77% (G:17.80% B:0.73%)

It can be counterintuitive but to play safer overall is to split early in a game to maximise the chance of getting an advanced anchor, despite the risk of getting blown away by a lucky blitz. With the lopsided score this is close to a double after one roll each and no contact! (29 millipoint error)

41: 13/9 6/5

XGID=-b----E-D---dD--ac-da-A-A-:0:0:-1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=160-162

1. 3-ply 13/9 6/5 eq: +0.639

Player: Opponent:

60.45% (G:17.35% B:0.63%) 39.55% (G:9.62% B:0.37%)

41: 24/23 13/9

Page 3: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-b----E-D---cD--bc-cb-A-A-:0:0:1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=160-157

1. XG Roller++ 24/23 22/18 eq:-0.937 Player: 36.26% (G:8.24% B:0.38%) Opponent: 63.74% (G:24.29% B:0.88%)

2. XG Roller++ 13/8 eq:-0.950 (-0.013) Player: 34.55% (G:8.17% B:0.33%) Opponent: 65.45% (G:21.29% B:0.88%)

3. XG Roller++ 22/21 13/9 eq:-0.997 (-0.060) Player: 34.49% (G:8.51% B:0.41%) Opponent: 65.51% (G:22.91% B:1.27%)

4. XG Roller++ 24/23 13/9 eq:-1.000 (-0.063) Player: 34.33% (G:8.38% B:0.36%) Opponent: 65.67% (G:23.49% B:1.20%)

Robin understandably doesn’t want to stack another checker on the 8 point but his play does create another blot which Andy can aim for. Remember Andy is desperate for a gammon. The best play creates no extra blots and fights for the most advanced anchor available.

Double/Take

Page 4: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-b----E-DA--cC--bc-cb-AA--:0:0:-1:00:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=155-157

Analyzed in XG Roller++ Player Winning Chances: 65.49% (G:23.63% B:1.22%) Opponent Winning Chances: 34.51% (G:8.56% B:0.39%)

Cubeless Equities: No Double=+0.466, Double=+1.059

Cubeful Equities:

No double: +0.860 (-0.140) Double/Take: +1.015 (+0.015) Double/Pass: +1.000 Best Cube action: Double / Pass Just a pass at this score, 5-0 ahead this would be a take, and if this was the first game, or playing for money, this would only just be a double.

53: 24/16*

XGID=-b----E-DA--cC--bc-cb-AA--:1:1:-1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=155-157

1. 4-ply 24/16* eq: +0.585

Player: Opponent:

70.44% (G:20.33% B:1.01%) 29.56% (G:5.69% B:0.20%)

2. 4-ply 8/3* 6/3 eq: +0.549 (-0.036) Player:

Opponent: 66.30% (G:25.23% B:1.28%) 33.70% (G:7.75% B:0.37%)

Hitting the outfield checker escapes a back man and gains in the race, thus winning 4% more games. There are 5% more gammons if you point and create a 3pt board which is nice but does not offset the losses.

62: Bar/23 13/7

Page 5: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-a----E-Da--cC--bc-cb-AA-A:1:1:1:62:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=171-149

1. 4-ply Bar/23 13/7 eq: -0.699

Player: Opponent:

26.57% (G:4.94% B:0.17%) 73.43% (G:23.88% B:1.31%)

2. 4-ply Bar/23 8/2 eq: -0.720 (-0.021) Player:

Opponent: 26.58% (G:5.09% B:0.19%) 73.42% (G:25.53% B:1.50%)

More shots to get another man back but better to duplicate 6s and keep some structure

51: 24/18*

XGID=-a----EADa--cB--bc-cb-AB--:1:1:-1:51:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=163-149

1. 4-ply 24/18* eq: +0.707

Player: Opponent:

73.37% (G:24.61% B:1.29%) 26.63% (G:4.53% B:0.17%)

22: Bar/23 13/9* 9/7*

Page 6: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=------EaDa--cB--bc-cb-AB-A:1:1:1:22:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=181-143

1. XG Roller++ Bar/21 23/21 6/4 eq: -0.596

Player: Opponent:

28.78% (G:4.72% B:0.17%) 71.22% (G:20.04% B:0.70%)

2. XG Roller++ Bar/23 13/9* 9/7* eq: -0.685 (-0.089)

Player: Opponent:

28.96% (G:6.58% B:0.26%) 71.04% (G:27.27% B:1.70%)

3. 4-ply Bar/21 23/21(2) eq: -0.645 (-0.049) Player:

Opponent: 24.08% (G:3.11% B:0.07%) 75.92% (G:15.24% B:0.39%)

4. 4-ply Bar/21 23/21 8/6 eq: -0.648 (-0.052) Player:

Opponent: 26.41% (G:3.95% B:0.12%) 73.59% (G:19.72% B:0.71%)

5. 4-ply Bar/21 6/4(2) eq: -0.660 (-0.064) Player:

Opponent: 29.04% (G:5.85% B:0.25%) 70.96% (G:25.29% B:1.47%)

Urghh! This play is bad for money and even worse at the score. He must grab the advanced anchor while he can. Robin splits his army in twain and tries to win this going forward. Very optimistic.

52: Bar/23 Bar/20

Page 7: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=b-----EAD---cA--bc-cb-AC--:1:1:-1:52:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=173-159

1. 3-ply Bar/23 Bar/20 eq: +0.689

Player: Opponent:

71.44% (G:26.81% B:1.57%) 28.56% (G:6.44% B:0.21%)

52: 13/8 7/5*

XGID=--a--aEAD---cA--bc-cb-AC--:1:1:1:52:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=173-152

1. 4-ply 13/8 7/5* eq: -0.812

Player: Opponent:

24.88% (G:4.76% B:0.15%) 75.12% (G:29.73% B:1.76%)

2. 4-ply 23/21 7/2* eq: -0.827 (-0.015) Player:

Opponent: 25.09% (G:4.39% B:0.15%) 74.91% (G:30.71% B:2.28%)

3. 4-ply 23/18 7/5* eq: -0.844 (-0.032) Player:

Opponent: 26.59% (G:5.04% B:0.20%) 73.41% (G:34.26% B:2.96%)

44: Bar/21 13/9 13/5

Page 8: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=a-a--AE-E---c---bc-cb-AC--:1:1:-1:44:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=166-157

1. 4-ply Bar/21 13/9 13/5 eq: +0.662

Player: Opponent:

69.91% (G:27.37% B:1.83%) 30.09% (G:7.45% B:0.33%)

2. 4-ply Bar/21 13/9(3) eq: +0.641 (-0.021) Player:

Opponent: 70.27% (G:25.06% B:1.53%) 29.73% (G:6.59% B:0.24%)

3. 4-ply Bar/21 8/4(3) eq: +0.634 (-0.028) Player:

Opponent: 68.47% (G:27.69% B:1.79%) 31.53% (G:7.45% B:0.30%)

Andy correctly doesn’t jump in there and make the 4 pt. He beautifully distributes his checkers to try and make it next time, while preserving the 8pt, which is v useful being 6 pts away from Robin’s anchor.

65: 23/12*

XGID=--a-aAE-E---a---cc-cc-AC--:1:1:1:65:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=166-141

1. 3-ply 23/12* eq: -0.711

Player: Opponent:

28.95% (G:6.50% B:0.26%) 71.05% (G:28.82% B:2.12%)

Page 9: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

21: Bar/23 21/20*

XGID=a-a-aAE-E---A---cc-cc-AB--:1:1:-1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=155-153

1. 4-ply Bar/23 21/20* eq: +0.708

Player: Opponent:

70.64% (G:29.02% B:2.21%) 29.36% (G:5.91% B:0.21%)

63: Bar/22 12/6

XGID=--b--aE-E---A---cc-cc-AB-A:1:1:1:63:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=175-150

1. 3-ply Bar/22 12/6 eq: -0.704

Player: Opponent:

26.62% (G:4.90% B:0.14%) 73.38% (G:24.46% B:1.21%)

Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable you would want to be down at least 60 pips.

53: 23/15

Page 10: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--b--aF-E-------cc-cc-BB--:1:1:-1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=166-150

1. XG Roller++ 23/20 23/18 eq: +0.724

Player: Opponent:

75.85% (G:21.68% B:0.87%) 24.15% (G:3.67% B:0.12%)

2. XG Roller++ 23/15 eq: +0.641 (-0.082)

Player: Opponent:

70.94% (G:24.11% B:1.24%) 29.06% (G:6.08% B:0.26%)

So why is this play such an error. To answer this we should consider what Andy’s game plan should be. He should tidy up his back men and focus on making his 4 and/or 7 point and hem Robin in. Robin has no timing so his board will crunch and Andy will be faced with an end game where he cannot lose and the only question is how many gammons will he win. With this play he gives Robin the option of either rolling perfectas 11,33 and going forward leaving blots for Andy to hit to improve his timing keeping Andy busy while he tries to make the 18 or 21 point.

21: 6/4 6/5*

XGID=--a--aF-E-a-----cc-cc-BB--:1:1:1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=166-142

Page 11: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

1. 4-ply 6/4 6/5* eq: -0.670

Player: Opponent:

30.64% (G:5.28% B:0.20%) 69.36% (G:28.99% B:1.73%)

2. 4-ply 23/21 22/21 eq: -0.673 (-0.003) Player:

Opponent: 26.33% (G:4.14% B:0.12%) 73.67% (G:21.71% B:0.73%)

3. 4-ply 23/21 6/5* eq: -0.681 (-0.010) Player:

Opponent: 29.10% (G:5.26% B:0.18%) 70.90% (G:27.18% B:1.35%)

A good play from Robin, being hit improves his backgame chances whereas a flunk from Andy could see a counter prime forming. He should, of course, never have had this option.

21: Bar/24 23/21*

XGID=a-a-AAD-E-a-----cc-cc-BB--:1:1:-1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=163-147

1. 4-ply Bar/24 23/21* eq: +0.665

Player: Opponent:

68.80% (G:29.16% B:1.89%) 31.20% (G:5.34% B:0.23%)

51: Bar/24 8/3

XGID=-a--aAD-E-a-----cc-cc-BB-A:1:1:1:51:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=184-144

1. 4-ply Bar/24 8/3 eq: -0.723

Page 12: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

Player: Opponent:

29.26% (G:5.03% B:0.21%) 70.74% (G:30.32% B:2.05%)

54: 24/20* 6/1*

XGID=-a-AaAD-D-a-----cc-cc-BBA-:1:1:-1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=178-144

1. XG Roller++ 24/20* 6/1* eq: +0.702

Player: Opponent:

68.70% (G:32.37% B:2.14%) 31.30% (G:5.08% B:0.23%)

2. XG Roller++ 24/20* 20/15 eq: +0.697 (-0.005) Player:

Opponent: 68.66% (G:31.85% B:2.17%) 31.34% (G:4.36% B:0.18%)

3. XG Roller++ 9/4 8/4 eq: +0.679 (-0.022)

Player: Opponent:

67.92% (G:31.61% B:2.50%) 32.08% (G:5.49% B:0.27%)

4. 4-ply 24/20* 21/16 eq: +0.690 (-0.011) Player:

Opponent: 68.04% (G:32.33% B:2.38%) 31.96% (G:4.59% B:0.19%)

5. 4-ply 24/20* 15/10 eq: +0.688 (-0.014) Player:

Opponent: 67.39% (G:33.14% B:2.59%) 32.61% (G:4.82% B:0.20%)

This the most interesting play of the match and one that could have chouette

partners coming to blows!! XG changed its mind after rollouts (Hence the symbol not being at the top of the list) and aficionados are still not convince about XG’s handling of backgames (perhaps AlphaGo and Alpha0 can get a sibling, AlphaLuckbox to show us the way…) so I will say that all these 5 plays are good! Andy’s play is what I believe most top players would do, depriving the opponent of getting a third anchor.

54: Bar/21

Page 13: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=---AaaD-D-a-----cc-bc-BBaB:1:1:1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=199-135

1. 3-ply Bar/21 eq: -0.690

Player: Opponent:

32.65% (G:4.73% B:0.20%) 67.35% (G:33.43% B:2.55%)

54: 9/4* 8/4

XGID=---AaaD-D-a-----cc-bcABBaA:1:1:-1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=195-135

1. 4-ply 9/4* 8/4 eq: +0.761

Player: Opponent:

68.22% (G:36.86% B:3.22%) 31.78% (G:3.50% B:0.14%)

54: Cannot Move

Page 14: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=---AaaD-D-a-----bb-bcbBBaB:1:1:1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=199-126

1. 4-ply Cannot Move eq: -0.781

Player: Opponent:

32.00% (G:3.57% B:0.17%) 68.00% (G:38.72% B:3.46%)

21: 20/18 15/14

XGID=---AaaD-D-a-----bb-bcbBBaB:1:1:-1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=199-126

1. XG Roller++ 9/7 8/7 eq:+0.834 Player: 70.44% (G:38.72% B:3.32%) Opponent: 29.56% (G:3.79% B:0.19%)

2. XG Roller++ 21/20 9/7 eq:+0.828 (-0.006) Player: 70.54% (G:38.25% B:3.05%) Opponent: 29.46% (G:3.39% B:0.14%)

3. XG Roller++ 15/14 9/7 eq:+0.804 (-0.030) Player: 69.59% (G:38.01% B:3.19%) Opponent: 30.41% (G:4.04% B:0.21%)

4. XG Roller++ 9/7 5/4 eq:+0.790 (-0.044) Player: 69.01% (G:37.85% B:3.28%) Opponent: 30.99% (G:4.32% B:0.22%)

5. XG Roller++ 20/18 15/14 eq:+0.768 (-0.066) Player: 68.31% (G:37.44% B:3.09%) Opponent: 31.69% (G:3.74% B:0.16%)

Page 15: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

The priority is the 7 point, to make the prime contiguous. There are long term benefits of preventing Robin from making the bar point. The plays of 9/7 in the list above are not to provide a cover for the ace point!

53: Bar/22

XGID=---Aa-DaD--a----bb-bcbBBaB:1:1:1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=199-123

1. 3-ply Bar/22 eq: -0.704

Player: Opponent:

33.62% (G:3.70% B:0.15%) 66.38% (G:36.21% B:2.75%)

64: 18/12 5/1

XGID=---Aa-DaD--a----bb-bcbCBaA:1:1:-1:64:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=196-123

1. XG Roller++ 18/12 14/10 eq: +0.698

Player: Opponent:

66.11% (G:36.25% B:2.69%) 33.89% (G:3.99% B:0.17%)

2. XG Roller++ 18/12 5/1 eq: +0.596 (-0.102)

Player: Opponent:

61.27% (G:36.91% B:2.66%) 38.73% (G:4.01% B:0.17%)

Page 16: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

Wrong idea. Any plays involving the 3 back men are far better than this. Bar Point, not ace point!!

41: Cannot Move

XGID=---Aa-D-D--a-a--bb-bbbCBbA:1:1:1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=196-113

1. 4-ply Cannot Move eq: -0.571

Player: Opponent:

40.37% (G:3.78% B:0.20%) 59.63% (G:37.52% B:2.92%)

54: 14/10 12/7

XGID=---Aa-D-D--a-a--bb-bbbCBbA:1:1:-1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=196-113

1. 4-ply 14/10 12/7 eq: +0.558

Player: Opponent:

59.56% (G:36.92% B:2.69%) 40.44% (G:4.06% B:0.17%)

2. 4-ply 21/16 14/10 eq: +0.546 (-0.012) Player:

Opponent: 58.97% (G:36.89% B:2.73%) 41.03% (G:3.72% B:0.15%)

3. 4-ply 21/12 eq: +0.529 (-0.030) Player:

Opponent: 58.64% (G:36.24% B:2.59%) 41.36% (G:3.89% B:0.15%)

62: Bar/23 8/2

Page 17: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=---Aa-D-D------abbabbbCBbA:1:1:1:62:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=196-104

1. 3-ply Bar/23 8/2 eq: -0.647

Player: Opponent:

36.27% (G:3.37% B:0.14%) 63.73% (G:36.73% B:2.41%)

44: 10/6 9/5 8/4(2)

XGID=--AAa-D-C------abbabbbCCb-:1:1:-1:44:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=188-104

1. XG Roller++ 9/5(2) 8/4(2) eq: +0.417

Player: Opponent:

54.25% (G:34.84% B:3.24%) 45.75% (G:7.11% B:0.38%)

2. XG Roller++ 10/6 9/5 8/4(2) eq: +0.368 (-0.048)

Player: Opponent:

53.35% (G:32.94% B:2.91%) 46.65% (G:7.80% B:0.42%)

3. 4-ply 10/6 9/5 9/1 eq: +0.381 (-0.035) Player:

Opponent: 53.94% (G:33.25% B:2.46%) 46.06% (G:6.09% B:0.27%)

The 9 point is hard to clear so you might as well do it now. Andy is probably thinking that being hit is no great hardship with those blots in Robin’s home board but leaving triple shots with most covering at least one of them looks a bit too blasé.

64: 22/16* 6/2

Page 18: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--AAa-D-C-------a-accdCCb-:1:1:1:64:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=188-88

1. 4-ply 22/16* 6/2 eq: -0.392

Player: Opponent:

45.78% (G:7.86% B:0.38%) 54.22% (G:33.21% B:3.08%)

51: Bar/20 7/6

XGID=a-BAa-C-C-------A-accdBCb-:1:1:-1:51:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=178-104

1. XG Roller++ Bar/24 21/16 eq: +0.386

Player: Opponent:

54.72% (G:32.05% B:2.61%) 45.28% (G:7.48% B:0.38%)

2. XG Roller++ Bar/20 7/6 eq: +0.346 (-0.040)

Player: Opponent:

53.60% (G:30.94% B:2.51%) 46.40% (G:7.63% B:0.33%)

3. 4-ply Bar/20 21/20 eq: +0.343 (-0.043) Player:

Opponent: 53.83% (G:30.51% B:2.46%) 46.17% (G:8.15% B:0.35%)

What’s happening here? Andy lifts the blot which I am sure 99% of us would do but XG chooses to leave it there. It will only be hit with 55, 52 and 53 so it reasonably safe and leaving two blots on Robins 4 and 5 point make Robin’s small numbers useful.

62: 23/15

Page 19: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BAaaC-C-------A--dcdBCb-:1:1:1:62:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=178-98

1. 4-ply 23/15 eq: -0.439

Player: Opponent:

43.57% (G:6.25% B:0.28%) 56.43% (G:32.98% B:2.84%)

2. 4-ply 23/17 16/14 eq: -0.452 (-0.013) Player:

Opponent: 43.29% (G:6.03% B:0.27%) 56.71% (G:33.44% B:2.87%)

21: 21/18

XGID=--BAaaC-C------AA--dcdBBb-:1:1:-1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=170-98

1. 4-ply 21/18 eq: +0.350

Player: Opponent:

54.20% (G:30.25% B:2.52%) 45.80% (G:7.92% B:0.36%)

2. 4-ply 20/18 6/5 eq: +0.330 (-0.020) Player:

Opponent: 53.45% (G:30.05% B:2.57%) 46.55% (G:8.42% B:0.38%)

3. 4-ply 21/20 6/4 eq: +0.294 (-0.056) Player:

Opponent: 52.48% (G:29.26% B:2.28%) 47.52% (G:8.93% B:0.38%)

Andy correctly stays flexible, making the anchor leave a nightmare double 1s and 3s.

61: 15/8

Page 20: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BA-aCaC------AA--dcdBBb-:1:1:1:61:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=170-95

1. 4-ply 15/8 eq: -0.536

Player: Opponent:

39.16% (G:4.22% B:0.17%) 60.84% (G:32.98% B:2.31%)

2. 4-ply 15/9 8/7* eq: -0.543 (-0.007)

Player: Opponent:

42.81% (G:5.98% B:0.29%) 57.19% (G:38.18% B:4.58%)

3. 4-ply 16/15 8/2 eq: -0.581 (-0.045) Player:

Opponent: 36.97% (G:4.40% B:0.12%) 63.03% (G:32.64% B:2.36%)

4. 4-ply 16/9 eq: -0.588 (-0.053) Player:

Opponent: 40.20% (G:3.86% B:0.16%) 59.80% (G:38.01% B:3.47%)

5. 4-ply 16/10 8/7* eq: -0.589 (-0.053) Player:

Opponent: 41.75% (G:5.47% B:0.25%) 58.25% (G:39.42% B:5.01%)

The bots have taught us that the big play, hitting on the 5 point is too big. The timing of the back game is OK now so trying to make a board naturally is the favoured course of action. Getting a couple of men on the bar at this stage will likely result in Black leaving a shot while bearing off but White not having a decent board to contain the blot if hit.

65: 20/9*

Page 21: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BA-aCaD-------A--dcdBBb-:1:1:-1:65:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=163-95

1. 4-ply 20/9* eq: +0.655

Player: Opponent:

62.19% (G:39.18% B:3.10%) 37.81% (G:1.89% B:0.09%)

11: Cannot Move

XGID=--BA--CaD-------a--dcdBBbA:1:1:1:11:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=172-84

1. 4-ply Cannot Move eq: -0.713

Player: Opponent:

36.93% (G:1.14% B:0.05%) 63.07% (G:42.08% B:3.28%)

41: 18/13

Page 22: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BA--CaD-------a--dcdBBbA:1:1:-1:41:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=172-84

1. XG Roller++ 18/14 6/5 eq: +0.682

Player: Opponent:

62.27% (G:40.72% B:3.35%) 37.73% (G:1.11% B:0.04%)

2. XG Roller++ 9/4 eq: +0.677 (-0.005) Player:

Opponent: 62.02% (G:40.84% B:3.27%) 37.98% (G:1.10% B:0.05%)

3. XG Roller++ 18/13 eq: +0.665 (-0.017)

Player: Opponent:

61.84% (G:40.24% B:3.24%) 38.16% (G:1.07% B:0.04%)

4. 4-ply 9/5 6/5 eq: +0.690 (+0.008) Player:

Opponent: 62.35% (G:41.26% B:3.54%) 37.65% (G:1.36% B:0.07%)

5. 4-ply 18/14 5/4 eq: +0.673 (-0.009) Player:

Opponent: 62.04% (G:40.85% B:3.15%) 37.96% (G:1.54% B:0.07%)

Double 5s less awkward after the recommended play.

53: Bar/22 8/3

XGID=--BA--C-D---a---a--dcdBBbA:1:1:1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=172-79

1. 4-ply Bar/22 8/3 eq: -0.606

Player: Opponent:

38.05% (G:1.73% B:0.07%) 61.95% (G:36.28% B:2.39%)

Page 23: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

53: 13/10 9/4

XGID=--BB--C-C---a---a--dcdCBb-:1:1:-1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=164-79

1. 4-ply 13/10 9/4 eq: +0.662

Player: Opponent:

63.41% (G:37.90% B:2.52%) 36.59% (G:1.02% B:0.04%)

63: 22/16 8/5

XGID=--BB--C-C------a---dceCBb-:1:1:1:63:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=164-71

1. 4-ply 22/16 8/5 eq: -0.671

Player: Opponent:

37.44% (G:0.19% B:0.01%) 62.56% (G:39.84% B:2.81%)

2. 4-ply 22/13 eq: -0.717 (-0.046) Player:

Opponent: 35.15% (G:0.18% B:0.01%) 64.85% (G:39.64% B:2.61%)

Good play, Robin must make a decent board before he hits.

61: 10/4 1/Off

Page 24: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BB-AC-B------aA--dceBBb-:1:1:-1:61:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=155-71

1. 4-ply 10/4 1/Off eq: +0.713

Player: Opponent:

64.38% (G:39.43% B:3.10%) 35.62% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

43: 8/5 8/4

XGID=--BB-AC-B-------A--dcfBBa-:1:1:1:43:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=155-64

1. 4-ply 8/5 8/4 eq: -0.673

Player: Opponent:

37.30% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 62.70% (G:39.19% B:3.16%)

22: 6/4(4)

Page 25: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BBABC---------A--dcfBBa-:1:1:-1:22:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=148-64

1. 3-ply 6/4(4) eq: +0.751

Player: Opponent:

65.23% (G:41.25% B:2.91%) 34.77% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

51: 16/10

XGID=--BBABC---------A---cjBBa-:1:1:1:51:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=148-56

1. XG Roller++ 22/16 eq: -0.686 Player:

Opponent: 37.57% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 62.43% (G:39.94% B:3.26%)

2. XG Roller++ 22/17 6/5 eq: -0.694 (-0.008)

Player: Opponent:

37.32% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 62.68% (G:40.23% B:3.33%)

3. XG Roller++ 16/10 eq: -0.828 (-0.142)

Player: Opponent:

32.56% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 67.44% (G:42.08% B:3.64%)

Whoops! An oversight by Robin, he needs to let Andy play 2s. 22 leaves a single shot, 32 and 42 leave double shots and 52 and 62 triples!! The only drawback is double 1 which would make Andy’s bearoff easier.

22: Cannot Move

Page 26: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BBABC---A---------cjBBa-:1:1:-1:22:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=142-56

1. 4-ply Cannot Move eq: +0.723

Player: Opponent:

66.52% (G:36.23% B:2.24%) 33.48% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

64: 22/18 10/4

XGID=--BBABC---A---------cjBBa-:1:1:1:64:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=142-56

1. 4-ply 22/18 10/4 eq: -0.494

Player: Opponent:

40.79% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 59.21% (G:30.57% B:1.97%)

2. 4-ply 22/12 eq: -0.516 (-0.022) Player:

Opponent: 40.12% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 59.88% (G:31.08% B:2.17%)

33: 4/1(4)

Page 27: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--BBBBC-----------A-cjABa-:1:1:-1:33:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=132-56

1. 3-ply 4/1(4) eq: +0.635

Player: Opponent:

65.30% (G:32.76% B:0.87%) 34.70% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

44: 18/2

XGID=--BBBBC-----------A-cfABe-:1:1:1:44:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=132-44

1. XG Roller++ 22/10 18/14 eq: -0.584

Player: Opponent:

30.91% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 69.09% (G:22.46% B:0.29%)

2. XG Roller++ 18/2 eq: -0.591 (-0.007)

Player: Opponent:

34.27% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 65.73% (G:28.80% B:0.54%)

Looks like the trade off between running off the gammon and staying for more shots is nicely balanced.

61: 5/Off 1/Off

Page 28: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=--CBBBC-------------cfABe-:1:1:-1:61:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=116-44

1. 3-ply 5/Off 1/Off eq: +0.834

Player: Opponent:

75.13% (G:31.31% B:0.88%) 24.87% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

21: 6/4 2/1

XGID=--CBBBC-------------bfABd-:1:1:1:21:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=116-38

1. 4-ply 6/4 2/1 eq: -0.881

Player: Opponent:

28.57% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 71.43% (G:41.73% B:1.37%)

2. 4-ply 6/3 eq: -0.917 (-0.035) Player:

Opponent: 27.14% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 72.86% (G:42.02% B:1.34%)

The slot of the ace point is useful for closing the board later but also can be handy when running off the gammon. Imagine bearing in your last man but rolling a 1.

61: 5/4 5/Off

Page 29: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-ABBCBB-------------bfABd-:1:1:-1:61:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=113-38

1. 3-ply 5/4 5/Off eq: +1.245

Player: Opponent:

86.05% (G:45.48% B:1.24%) 13.95% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

2. 1-ply 5/Off 1/Off eq: +0.083 (-1.163) Player:

Opponent: 45.74% (G:21.74% B:1.34%) 54.26% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

3. 1-ply 5/Off 4/3* eq: -0.270 (-1.516) Player:

Opponent: 32.53% (G:16.90% B:0.91%) 67.47% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

Good roll. Now Robin must move off the 23 pt to give Andy 2s to play.

61: 23/16

XGID=-ABBCBB--------------gABd-:1:1:1:61:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=113-32

1. 4-ply 23/16 eq: -1.186

Player: Opponent:

18.17% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 81.83% (G:48.10% B:1.49%)

65: 4/Off(2)

Page 30: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-ABBCBB---------A----gAAd-:1:1:-1:65:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=106-32

1. 3-ply 4/Off(2) eq: +1.280

Player: Opponent:

84.37% (G:50.74% B:1.90%) 15.63% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

66: 22/4 16/10

XGID=-ABBCBB---------A----eAAd-:1:1:1:66:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=106-24

1. 4-ply 22/4 16/10 eq: -1.001

Player: Opponent:

10.58% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 89.42% (G:19.55% B:0.27%)

A fab roll, from 50%+ gammons to less than 20%.

54: 4/Off(2)

Page 31: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-ABBDBB---A----------e-Ad-:1:1:-1:54:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=82-24

1. 3-ply 4/Off(2) eq: +1.085

Player: Opponent:

90.88% (G:23.79% B:0.42%) 9.12% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

62: 10/2

XGID=-ABBDBB---A----------c-Ad-:1:1:1:62:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=82-16

1. 4-ply 10/2 eq: -1.099

Player: Opponent:

10.83% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 89.17% (G:28.13% B:0.52%)

2. 4-ply 10/4 3/1 eq: -1.154 (-0.054) Player:

Opponent: 8.70% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 91.30% (G:28.77% B:0.52%)

3. 4-ply 23/15 eq: -1.225 (-0.126) Player:

Opponent: 0.00% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 100.00% (G:19.24% B:0.00%)

Still risking some gammons but needs to stay for the shot. A look at the numbers (if you are allergic to Maths then skip this bit). He is risking roughly 9% gammons to win 11% games. In money games or the start of a long match, it is correct to risk gammon losses in order to win games as long as you don’t lose twice as many gammons. i.e. 2 gammon losses are worth the risk for each game you can turnaround. This gives a value of 0.5 for what is called the Gammon

Page 32: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

Price (or Gammon Value). In matches this can vary. The trailer values Gammons more because they enable him to catch up quicker. The leader values Gammons less. The Gammon Price can only be between 0 and 1. At the score 10 9 Crawford, the trailer values a Gammon as much as a loss and therefore has a Gammon Price of 1. This is called Gammon Go. The leader gives no value to a Gammon and has a price of 0 (Gammon Save). At DMP both players have a gammon price of 0. The Gammon Price for Andy’s gammons at this current score with Robin leading 6-0 to 11 is 0.59 so Robin needs to turnaround an extra 9% multiplied by 0.59 games to justify staying. Even with his opponent at Gammon Go a 9% risk to gain 11% would still make it correct to stay. Don’t think that even the top players go through numbers like this. The calculation of the Gammon Price is too much trouble, never mind estimates of the gammon and turnaround percentages. Experienced players just know that gammons are more valuable when trailing and vice-versa. Extreme cases like Gammon Go and Gammon Save should be committed to memory though.

53: 4/1 4/Off

XGID=-ACBDBB--------------c-Ad-:1:1:-1:53:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=74-16

1. 3-ply 4/1 4/Off eq: +0.953

Player: Opponent:

88.32% (G:17.89% B:0.03%) 11.68% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

66: ????

Page 33: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

XGID=-ACBDBB--------------a-Ae-:1:1:1:66:6:0:0:11:10 Pip=74-9

1. 3-ply 23/5 6/Off eq: -1.000

Player: Opponent:

0.00% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 100.00% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)

Resigns a Single Game 2pts.

Robin would rather hit of course ( Andy would still be the favourite, once you have more than 8 off you are a clear favourite), but if you are going to miss this is the way to do it!

Game Summary:

robin swaffield Category andy darby

Expert (-0.0138) Total Error Advanced (-0.0160)

Expert (-0.0144) Checker Play Advanced (-0.0174)

World Champ. (+0.0000) Cube Play World Champ. (+0.0000)

6.89 Performance Rating 7.98

3(2) Move Errors 6(2)

-0.303(-2.35%) Equity lost (cost) -0.383(-3.14%)

0 Double Errors 0

+0.000 Equity lost (cost) +0.000

0 Take Errors 0

+0.000 Equity lost (cost) +0.000

3(2) Total Error 6(2)

-0.303(-2.35%) Equity lost (cost) -0.383(-3.14%)

Page 34: Game 3 - UKBGF · Robin makes a second anchor so might have aspirations for a backgame. Trouble is he is only 16 pips down after the play and to make a “2,3” backgame viable …

0 Jokers 2

-1.561(-10.08%) Luck +1.561(+10.08%)