2023 - Position 155

XGID=-B-Ba-C-B--BcC-----dcb-bA-:1:1:1:62:0:0:3:0:10

Unlimited Games. How should Blue play 62?

The key learning point from this position is that Blue cannot play passively. White is threatening to escape the last rear checker and must be stopped from doing so. 24/16 is not only too passive it is also the wrong game plan. Racing when behind is usually incorrect.

The two must be played 6/4*. For the six Blue can try 24/18 but that gives White a good six. Slightly better (not by much) is 13/7, attempting a blitz. That move both wins and loses more gammons. XG has a slight preference for 13/7, 6/4* but it is marginal.­

An easy problem unless you choose the wrong game plan!