Backgammon

IN THE box sat Quentin Quickcube (QQ). Facing him and arguing over the play of double 2 were the Prophylactic Pole (PP), Barry Bigplay (BB) and the Enigmatic Englishman (EE) who was captain.

"Its obvious," said BB "we must play 13/5* and if white doesn't hit the blot from the bar we will have a strong double." "Why do we have to leave a blot?" queried PP.

"Surely 11/5*/3 is the move? We put QQ on the bar, leave no shots and then whatever happens we have a good position."

"13/11(2), 3/1(2)* also leaves no shots. Perhaps we should consider that PP," said BB with only a mild hint of sarcasm. "EE, you're very quiet, which of our moves do you like?"

"Actually I don't like either of them. I think this is a situation that calls for a prophylactic approach. We are ahead in the race with a solid position. Even if we hit on the 5-point, unless QQ fans he will have an easy take, and if he hits us we will lose our advantage. Look at 18/16(2), 13/11(2). This does three good things. It maintains our racing lead, it puts pressure on QQ to throw a 4 to anchor on our 5-point and it gets our two back men off QQ's bar-point - the most difficult point to clear. As I am captain this is the move I shall play."

EE made his move, QQ rolled 32 and played 6/3, 5/3 and then the team had to decide whether or not to double - but that's a story for another day.

Readers wishing to comment on the above position can reach me at brayc@globalnet.co.uk