2022 - Position 39

XGID=-b-B--DBCA--bAb--cBc-b--a-:0:0:1:00:2:1:0:5:10

Match Play. Red leads 2-1 to 5. Should Red double? If doubled, should White take?

This is only just a take for money but of course the score influences matters, and it now becomes an easy take for White.

This should not dissuade Red from doubling, despite the score. He has clear advantages, and the position is volatile. He wins about 20% gammons which will give him the match.

Players are often loath to double when leading but it is important to double at the right moment and give your opponent an awkward decision. Pusillanimity doesn’t work in backgammon. Double and take.