Excellent video. I would also like to point out the concept of efficiency (checker utilisation), that is what we desire to maximise, and Dan points out excellently when you don't have to worry about risk.
Dan, Position one: given the super weak opponent's homeboard with two blots, I am astonished that slotting our 4 point is a huge blunder. If we do not get hit, all 4s and 5s cover, closing our board. A massive upside! If we get hit, we will not face too many troubles to enter, and might even pick up a blot. In postition two, where the opponent has a very strong homeboard, slotting is suddenly correct. The risk is much higher. Take care James, confused 🙂
Thanks for comments. Slotting the 4 point in the first position is a risk too far. You would leave the opponent 11 shots to hit you and also be unable to safety your blots when entering from bar. You don't want a skirmish and to lose gain when 30+ pips up in race.
when i first started playing backgammon i used to slot all the time . i guess its just generally not a good idea to give up direct shots voluntarily when we can do something else which works well.
