In this round 3 match of the Las Vegas Open, Akiko Yazawa is trailing Dmitri Obukhov 2-8 / 11. Akiko has just rolled this 42, and quickly makes Dmitri’s five point. This seems like the natural play, and most people would probably play it without hesitation. Could it possibly be wrong? Would you have made the five point? What would you play if you don’t make the five point? Let us know in the comments!
ANSWER
13/9 7/5
Although making the 20 point anchor might seem very natural and safe, it is actually incorrect here. We are far behind in the race, so we would rather stay back to put pressure on black’s position by not allowing him to play awkward numbers behind us. 13/9 8/7 will allow us to build our board quickly in preparation for any future shots from black.
I think being behind in the match ad the race, I would lean more towards bringing two down with 13/9, 13/11. but who am I to argue with the world grandmaster?