2023 - Position 154

XGID=-C-BBBBAAa-------A-bAbbce-:3:-1:1:33:0:3:0:7:10

Match Play. Blue trails 0-3 to 7. How should play 33?

This is DMP. I played 8/2, 5/2(2) but the problem then is that a hit doesn’t necessarily win because of the open 5-pt.

The rear checker must stay where it is to maximise shots. It then becomes a choice between 17/8, 7/4 and 17/5. XG has nothing to choose between the two plays.

8/2, 5/2(2) is a bad error but not quite a blunder. When you leave the blot on the 17-pt White’s six hitting numbers are ruinous. Also, after 8/2, 5/2(2) Blue is effectively playing with only thirteen checkers. Not a good idea at DMP.

The position provides some useful thoughts on containment.