2022 - Position 41

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Match Play. Red trails 0-4 to 7. How should Red play 63?

Red cannot keep all his back game points. Equally well he wants to keep his four-point prime in case an early shot arises. Finally, and importantly, he needs to avoid anti-jokers. For example, after 16/7 double threes would be classed as an anti-joker. It is vital to keep all the checkers in play.

For these reasons he should give up his 21-pt with 21/15, 16/13 and play a very well-timed 2-5 back game.

16/10, 7/4 is nearly a blunder because it gives up the four-point prime.