September 2018 – Voice of Backgammon

September 27, 2018October 1, 2018

Is Larry’s Racing Lead Enough to Double This?

XGID=-ACDC-B—b–bB—–bbbbc-:0:0:1:00:8:12:0:17:10

Here is an interesting holding position from the finals of the CT BBQ Invitational between Larry Shiller and Chris Trencher. Larry is on roll, trailing 9a/5a, with a fairly large racing advantage, but a very high probability of leaving a shot next roll as well. Is Larry’s racing lead enough to send the cube here? If doubled, should Chris take? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Video Below (starts @1:52:54)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GlEvpgqE5s&t=112m54s

ANSWER: Double/Take

September 25, 2018October 1, 2018

Leave a Shot or Play it Safe?

XGID=-ACBCbBB—–b—aBacbb-b-:0:0:-1:55:8:12:0:17:10

Chris Trencher had a difficult decision when he rolled these double fives while playing Larry Shiller in the finals of the CT BBQ Invitational. Chris is leading in the match 5a/9a, and the cube is centered. How would you play these double fives? Let us know in the comments!

Video Below (starts @1:51:42)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GlEvpgqE5s&t=111m42s

ANSWER: 20/10(2)

September 24, 2018September 24, 2018

Don’t Miss the 2018 Viking Classic Backgammon Tournament!

Don’t miss the 2018 Viking Classic Backgammon Tournament at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota this weekend, September 27-30. There will be something for everyone at the Viking Classic, with four different ABT levels – Viking Novice, Viking Intermediate, Thor Advanced, and Odin Open. In addition to the main events, plenty of great side events promise to keep you busy all weekend long! Don’t miss your chance to battle for one of the wonderful Viking trophies – click here for more details.

September 22, 2018September 27, 2018

Would you Have the Guts to Take this Cube?

XGID=–B-bBB-C—bE—baccb–A-:0:0:-1:00:4:1:0:17:10

While playing Larry Shiller in the finals of the CT BBQ Invitational, Chris Trencher found himself on roll as black in this position. Chris is trailing in the match 13a/16a, and the cube is centered. Would you double this as Chris? If doubled, should Larry take or pass? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Video Below (starts @37:03)

ANSWER: Double/Take

September 20, 2018September 27, 2018

Make the Five or Hit?!

XGID=—-bAD-D–AcD–ad-da—A-:0:0:-1:51:4:3:0:17:10

Chris Trencher had a very tough decision when he rolled this 51 while playing Larry Shiller in the finals of the CT BBQ Invitational. Chris is trailing in the match 14a/13a, and the cube is centered. How would you play this 51 as black? Let us know in the comments!

Video Below (starts @43:05)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GlEvpgqE5s&t=43m5s

ANSWER: 13/8 6/5