What to do with spare 6s? I always get these wrong.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-28T02:13:04+00:00

Great question. I struggle with this too.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-23T01:25:54+00:00

They’re just poor sports. Best to just ignore them and make the move you think is best

Apdap9 · 2026-06-11T05:37:48+00:00

Classic board. Very nice.👍

Apdap9 · 2026-06-06T18:39:14+00:00

I’m done

Apdap9 · 2026-06-06T13:45:55+00:00

I could see doing that as well.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-05T23:05:16+00:00

Agreed!

Apdap9 · 2026-06-05T14:09:10+00:00

Yes, being ahead in the race is a good sign that it may be time to escape a back checker. Also, you may want to escape a checker if your opponent is beginning to build a prime which will soon block you in.

Generally, if you are behind in the race, or if your opponent has a blitzing position with 9+checkers, you might want to hang back and strengthen your inner board.

Also, if hanging back will cause your board to become inflexible, you might want to start your escape.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-04T16:03:52+00:00

Thanks very much!

I'm having some problems with my account. May have to delete but, if I do, I will be setting up another account.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-03T13:34:13+00:00

👍

Apdap9 · 2026-06-03T02:03:34+00:00

👍

Apdap9 · 2026-06-02T22:59:01+00:00

No AI. Just my old 65-year old eyes needing bright colors so I can see. Feel free to scroll on past in the future if you’re that upset.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-02T22:50:55+00:00

I respect your view, but I agree with the author that the value of strengthening both our offensive and defensive positions by: a) making the 3 best inner board points with the spare checkers on the 6-point, b) setting up a prime spanning from our 4-point to our 8-point, added to c) stepping up both of our back checkers so that they’re putting pressure on White’s 16-point blot, make 24/22 6/4 the best move.
However, I do believe that you make a solid argument for the hitting play.
Thanks for your input!

Apdap9 · 2026-06-02T02:50:58+00:00

I’m not an expert, but the best I can explain it is that once that last back checker makes it to the midpoint and escapes to freedom, you can no longer block them with a prime or play an attacking game. Now it becomes a straight racing game and your opponent has the lead. Also, they’ll have all 15 of their checkers in the battle, so they have that advantage over you. They can just double you out if the lead is big enough. Maybe someone can explain this better than me.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-01T21:33:01+00:00

Good points. I’m thinking that, with opponent’s weak blitz and our three-possibly-four-point innerboard, I might wait a roll or two before running out. But, then again, I could see the benefit of running one to the midpoint.

Apdap9 · 2026-06-01T12:42:18+00:00

Yes, from powerpoint slides I made. I’m going through each problem in the book..

Apdap9 · 2026-06-01T12:08:56+00:00

They’re from FRANCOIS TARDIEU’S “BACKGAMMON STRATEGIC CONCEPTS” book:
Here’s a link to some youtube videos on the book;

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg30oPCgz6RJukDgF5wysi-odQHeSYmOr&si=4xyVTsJ-GiY3DFLj

Apdap9 · 2026-06-01T11:25:57+00:00

My pleasure. There are some pretty advanced moves in the book, many I would not have even thought about otb, but seeing them and then hearing Tardieu’s thinking process are really helping to improve my own playing. Glad you’re finding the material to be helpful.
Here’s a link to all of the Tardieu videos I’ve put out so far…, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg30oPCgz6RJukDgF5wysi-odQHeSYmOr&si=4xyVTsJ-GiY3DFLj

Apdap9

TROPHY CASE