2024 - Position 56

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Match Play. Red leads 5-4 to 9. Should Red double? If doubled, should White take?

This problem illustrates very neatly the power of the score.

For money this double would be premature and a trivial take.

Because a doubled gammon wins the match with perfect efficiency for Red the double becomes clear. In fact, not doubling is now very nearly a blunder. Still an easy take for White of course.

Always remember to keep your eyes on the score!