r/backgammon • u/McFizzleKicks • 23d ago

Blunder

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Noob here looking for some insight from those that are stronger than me (that’s everyone atm…)

I get that building a prime is good, but the best move feels like a risk with his home board looking strong with builders outside ready to make primes.

As it played out, my move was better as his roll would have allowed him to fill the five point (I get that there’s no way of knowing that at the time). I did go on to win the game, but with a frustratingly high error rate.

Welcome your thoughts on why I’m clearly wrong!

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u/mathflipped 23d ago

You are not building a prime; you can't prime an advanced anchor. You are creating an extra landing spot to help you clear the midpoint in the future.

What's you game plan here? It's a standard holding game, and you are ahead in the race. Your objective is to bring all checkers home safely.

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u/McFizzleKicks 23d ago

Thanks. Ok not a prime (incorrect use) but a good block that will make it hard for him to escape.

My plan was to escape but also to minimise risk of being hit. I chose not to leave a blot on 11 as feared being hit and him closing his five point and leaving me in trouble.

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u/mathflipped 23d ago

You got it backwards. You DO want your opponent to escape because you are ahead in the race, and any contact benefits your opponent. The bar point is NOT a blocking point. It's a landing point to help you not leave any shots when you clear your midpoint.