Answers to Chow’s Checkerplay Challenge #3

All rollouts were performed using eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.207.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

Scoring: In all the problems of this quiz, the second-highest play in the rollout results is far enough behind that no partial credit is available. In other words, give yourself 2 points for picking the top play and 0 points otherwise.



Problem 1: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 135, White 120
XGID=---a-AE-C--AbE--ac-ea--b--:0:0:1:41:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout113/9 6/5eq: -0.109
Player:
Opponent:
47.29% (G:7.06% B:0.28%)
52.71% (G:14.10% B:0.28%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.119...-0.099) - [100.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 10 seconds
2.Rollout111/7 6/5eq: -0.280 (-0.171)
Player:
Opponent:
41.84% (G:5.31% B:0.20%)
58.16% (G:10.34% B:0.16%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.289...-0.271) - [0.0%]
Duration: 4 minutes 40 seconds
3.Rollout16/5 6/2eq: -0.282 (-0.173)
Player:
Opponent:
41.18% (G:4.39% B:0.13%)
58.82% (G:8.29% B:0.15%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.290...-0.273) - [0.0%]
Duration: 4 minutes 40 seconds
4.Rollout18/4 5/4eq: -0.311 (-0.202)
Player:
Opponent:
40.18% (G:4.21% B:0.15%)
59.82% (G:8.17% B:0.12%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.322...-0.300) - [0.0%]
Duration: 4 minutes 37 seconds
5.Rollout18/4 6/5eq: -0.348 (-0.240)
Player:
Opponent:
40.91% (G:6.29% B:0.28%)
59.09% (G:14.12% B:0.28%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.359...-0.337) - [0.0%]
Duration: 4 minutes 26 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

















Comments: Black is significantly behind in the pip count and would therefore like to contain White's remaining straggler. In particular, Black would like to prevent White from escaping with a 6. White's weak board gives Black license to play the bold 13/9 6/5, which works very well if White does not roll a 6. If White's 5pt blot were covered (see Variant position below), then 13/9 6/5 would still be a candidate, but so would the prosaic 6/5 6/2. The equity gap between the 1st and 2nd plays in the rollout is surprisingly large for such an early-game play.



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 135, White 121
XGID=---a-AE-C--AbE--ac-db-b---:0:0:1:41:0:0:0:0:10



1.Rollout16/5 6/2eq: -0.349
Player:
Opponent:
39.13% (G:3.22% B:0.08%)
60.87% (G:8.74% B:0.14%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (-0.353...-0.344) - [98.4%]
Duration: 19 minutes 15 seconds
2.Rollout113/9 6/5eq: -0.358 (-0.010)
Player:
Opponent:
39.52% (G:4.27% B:0.15%)
60.48% (G:17.77% B:0.21%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.366...-0.351) - [1.6%]
Duration: 15 minutes 19 seconds
3.Rollout18/4 5/4eq: -0.389 (-0.041)
Player:
Opponent:
37.73% (G:3.00% B:0.09%)
62.27% (G:9.35% B:0.13%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.394...-0.385) - [0.0%]
Duration: 18 minutes 36 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller













Problem 2: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 142, White 106
XGID=--a---EBB-BabB---bBb--cbb-:0:0:1:61:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout113/7 6/5eq: -0.332
Player:
Opponent:
44.31% (G:8.24% B:0.44%)
55.69% (G:31.96% B:0.24%)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (-0.347...-0.318) - [100.0%]
Duration: 49 minutes 21 seconds
2.Rollout113/6eq: -0.423 (-0.091)
Player:
Opponent:
40.59% (G:7.29% B:0.31%)
59.41% (G:20.29% B:0.20%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.437...-0.410) - [0.0%]
Duration: 51 minutes 27 seconds
3.Rollout110/9 10/4eq: -0.435 (-0.103)
Player:
Opponent:
40.40% (G:7.78% B:0.32%)
59.60% (G:25.57% B:0.22%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.447...-0.424) - [0.0%]
Duration: 52 minutes 16 seconds
4.Rollout110/3eq: -0.457 (-0.125)
Player:
Opponent:
39.42% (G:7.70% B:0.30%)
60.58% (G:24.09% B:0.24%)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (-0.473...-0.441) - [0.0%]
Duration: 55 minutes 18 seconds
5.Rollout18/7 8/2* eq: -0.513 (-0.181)
Player:
Opponent:
37.59% (G:7.27% B:0.27%)
62.41% (G:19.27% B:0.21%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.525...-0.502) - [0.0%]
Duration: 54 minutes 22 seconds
6.Rollout110/4 6/5eq: -0.543 (-0.211)
Player:
Opponent:
41.65% (G:8.13% B:0.35%)
58.35% (G:36.17% B:0.37%)
Conf.: ± 0.024 (-0.567...-0.520) - [0.0%]
Duration: 45 minutes 20 seconds
7.Rollout17/6 7/1eq: -0.583 (-0.251)
Player:
Opponent:
34.87% (G:6.14% B:0.23%)
65.13% (G:14.85% B:0.24%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.597...-0.570) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 03 minutes
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Rolled for both No double and Double
Dice Seed: 271828
First 3 moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller+
Remaining moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller























Comments: The cube location here is crucial. With Black owning the cube, the rollout results look very different (see Variant position below). This is a relatively rare instance of a middle-game "cube provocation play" where the top play 13/9 6/5 actually induces the opponent to give an inefficient double, whereas the mundane 13/6 allows the opponent to leave the cube centered for more efficient use later.



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 142, White 106
XGID=--a---EBB-BabB---bBb--cbb-:1:1:1:61:0:0:0:0:10



1.Rollout113/6eq: -0.153
Player:
Opponent:
40.38% (G:7.24% B:0.31%)
59.62% (G:19.62% B:0.18%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.158...-0.148) - [79.1%]
Duration: 52 minutes 35 seconds
2.Rollout113/7 6/5eq: -0.156 (-0.003)
Player:
Opponent:
44.25% (G:8.37% B:0.41%)
55.75% (G:32.50% B:0.23%)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.162...-0.150) - [20.9%]
Duration: 58 minutes 47 seconds
3.Rollout110/9 10/4eq: -0.211 (-0.058)
Player:
Opponent:
40.37% (G:7.80% B:0.34%)
59.63% (G:25.44% B:0.26%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.216...-0.207) - [0.0%]
Duration: 56 minutes 05 seconds
4.Rollout110/3eq: -0.217 (-0.064)
Player:
Opponent:
39.50% (G:7.77% B:0.32%)
60.50% (G:24.07% B:0.25%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.221...-0.212) - [0.0%]
Duration: 52 minutes 39 seconds
5.Rollout18/7 8/2* eq: -0.235 (-0.083)
Player:
Opponent:
37.12% (G:7.26% B:0.26%)
62.88% (G:18.79% B:0.21%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (-0.240...-0.231) - [0.0%]
Duration: 52 minutes 33 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller


















Problem 3: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 181, White 141
XGID=------EbC---bBbA-c-eB-aB--:0:0:1:55:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout123/13 15/5eq: -0.228
Player:
Opponent:
43.18% (G:11.24% B:0.39%)
56.82% (G:11.34% B:0.40%)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (-0.242...-0.214) - [100.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 20 seconds
2.Rollout123/18(2) 15/5eq: -0.311 (-0.083)
Player:
Opponent:
41.19% (G:9.59% B:0.29%)
58.81% (G:10.24% B:0.28%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.323...-0.299) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 30 seconds
3.Rollout123/8 15/10eq: -0.321 (-0.093)
Player:
Opponent:
41.57% (G:10.05% B:0.39%)
58.43% (G:12.85% B:0.46%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.334...-0.307) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 29 seconds
4.Rollout123/13 15/10 8/3eq: -0.327 (-0.099)
Player:
Opponent:
41.48% (G:10.35% B:0.44%)
58.52% (G:14.08% B:0.49%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.341...-0.314) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 42 seconds
5.Rollout115/5 8/3(2)eq: -0.331 (-0.103)
Player:
Opponent:
41.43% (G:11.78% B:0.38%)
58.57% (G:15.14% B:0.68%)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (-0.345...-0.317) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 13 seconds
6.Rollout123/18(2) 15/10 8/3eq: -0.337 (-0.109)
Player:
Opponent:
41.12% (G:9.66% B:0.34%)
58.88% (G:12.55% B:0.53%)
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.352...-0.323) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 53 seconds
7.Rollout123/13(2)eq: -0.346 (-0.118)
Player:
Opponent:
40.11% (G:7.68% B:0.26%)
59.89% (G:9.98% B:0.30%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.358...-0.334) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 50 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller






















Comments: Doublets can usually be played in many different ways, and this position is no exception. Despite gaining 20 pips with this roll, Black is still well behind in the pip count, and wants White to expose blots that he can hit. Advancing the 23pt to the 18pt with 23/18(2) 15/5 has the advantage of holding all the points that are 6 pips away from O's stripped outfield points, but frees White from having to safety her 3pt blot from immediate danger. The rollout favors 23/13 15/5, which can be hard to see at first because it does not move checkers in pairs, but the result is that X leaves no blots (unless you count the blot on the 23pt), and holds on to his important points for maximum contact. If White's 3pt blot were covered (see Variant position below) then 23/18(2) 15/5 would be a strong candidate play.



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 181, White 138
XGID=------EbC---bBbA-c-dB-bB--:0:0:1:55:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout123/18(2) 15/5eq: -0.365
Player:
Opponent:
39.82% (G:8.75% B:0.28%)
60.18% (G:10.63% B:0.32%)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.371...-0.358) - [67.5%]
Duration: 31 minutes 34 seconds
2.Rollout123/13 15/5eq: -0.367 (-0.002)
Player:
Opponent:
39.87% (G:9.36% B:0.30%)
60.13% (G:11.87% B:0.43%)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.373...-0.360) - [32.5%]
Duration: 30 minutes 02 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller











Problem 4: 7 point match, Black 4, White 0

Pip counts: Black 124, White 142
XGID=-A-a-aE-BBB-dC---b-c-bb---:0:0:1:22:4:0:0:7:10




1.Rollout19/7(2) 6/4(2)eq: +0.873
Player:
Opponent:
76.00% (G:11.56% B:0.34%)
24.00% (G:2.11% B:0.11%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.860...+0.886) - [100.0%]
Duration: 20 minutes 59 seconds
2.Rollout113/9 6/4(2)eq: +0.756 (-0.117)
Player:
Opponent:
73.71% (G:13.08% B:0.49%)
26.29% (G:3.51% B:0.17%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.745...+0.766) - [0.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 12 seconds
3.Rollout110/8(2) 6/4(2)eq: +0.744 (-0.129)
Player:
Opponent:
73.40% (G:11.14% B:0.35%)
26.60% (G:3.00% B:0.11%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (+0.732...+0.756) - [0.0%]
Duration: 22 minutes 12 seconds
4.Rollout113/11(2) 13/9eq: +0.719 (-0.154)
Player:
Opponent:
72.11% (G:14.01% B:0.68%)
27.89% (G:4.02% B:0.22%)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (+0.705...+0.732) - [0.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 01 second
5.Rollout19/5* 5/3* 3/1eq: +0.706 (-0.167)
Player:
Opponent:
71.23% (G:25.86% B:0.63%)
28.77% (G:5.21% B:0.19%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.693...+0.719) - [0.0%]
Duration: 18 minutes 37 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

















Comments: Did you notice the match score? If this were an unlimited game, then the rollout would look very different; see the two Variant positions below, especially Variant 2, where eXtreme Gammon favors 9/5*/3*/1, which wins many more gammons at the cost of a lower winning percentage. At this score, however, the win/gammon tradeoff of 9/5*/3*/1 is unfavorable. Black does better to build up a solid position which gives him plenty of landing spots as he brings his checkers home, rather than trying to attack.



Variant 1: Unlimited game, centered cube

Pip counts: Black 124, White 142
XGID=-A-a-aE-BBB-dC---b-c-bb---:0:0:1:22:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout19/7(2) 6/4(2)eq: +0.967
Player:
Opponent:
75.46% (G:10.05% B:0.18%)
24.54% (G:2.07% B:0.07%)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.961...+0.972) - [99.7%]
Duration: 6 minutes 40 seconds
2.Rollout110/8(2) 6/4(2)eq: +0.950 (-0.017)
Player:
Opponent:
73.53% (G:10.70% B:0.30%)
26.47% (G:3.08% B:0.11%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.939...+0.961) - [0.3%]
Duration: 13 minutes 55 seconds
3.Rollout113/9 6/4(2)eq: +0.946 (-0.021)
Player:
Opponent:
73.48% (G:13.33% B:0.30%)
26.52% (G:3.49% B:0.13%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.938...+0.955) - [0.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 47 seconds
4.Rollout113/11(2) 13/9eq: +0.943 (-0.024)
Player:
Opponent:
72.91% (G:11.86% B:0.34%)
27.09% (G:3.47% B:0.11%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.930...+0.956) - [0.0%]
Duration: 15 minutes 26 seconds
5.Rollout19/5* 5/3* 3/1eq: +0.913 (-0.053)
Player:
Opponent:
70.96% (G:26.23% B:0.34%)
29.04% (G:5.26% B:0.20%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.905...+0.922) - [0.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 50 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller




















Variant 2: Unlimited game, White owns cube

Pip counts: Black 124, White 142
XGID=-A-a-aE-BBB-dC---b-c-bb---:1:-1:1:22:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout19/5* 5/3* 3/1eq: +0.542
Player:
Opponent:
71.07% (G:26.77% B:0.36%)
28.93% (G:5.60% B:0.24%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.538...+0.545) - [100.0%]
Duration: 14 minutes 09 seconds
2.Rollout19/7(2) 6/4(2)eq: +0.529 (-0.013)
Player:
Opponent:
76.03% (G:9.73% B:0.20%)
23.97% (G:2.03% B:0.07%)
Conf.: ± 0.003 (+0.526...+0.532) - [0.0%]
Duration: 14 minutes 22 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller











Problem 5: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 148, White 142
XGID=---b-BC-D--AcD---c-db---aA:0:0:1:44:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9(2) 11/7eq: +0.481
Player:
Opponent:
63.21% (G:14.75% B:0.72%)
36.79% (G:11.49% B:0.29%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.468...+0.494) - [100.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 15 seconds
2.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9(2) 6/2eq: +0.332 (-0.149)
Player:
Opponent:
59.93% (G:13.55% B:0.66%)
40.07% (G:14.77% B:0.41%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.318...+0.345) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 49 seconds
3.Rollout1Bar/21 11/7 8/4(2)eq: +0.321 (-0.160)
Player:
Opponent:
59.50% (G:12.59% B:0.56%)
40.50% (G:11.69% B:0.22%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (+0.309...+0.333) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 42 seconds
4.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9(2) 8/4eq: +0.297 (-0.184)
Player:
Opponent:
59.51% (G:14.43% B:0.77%)
40.49% (G:16.43% B:0.54%)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.281...+0.313) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 37 seconds
5.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9 8/4(2)eq: +0.280 (-0.201)
Player:
Opponent:
58.32% (G:15.30% B:0.74%)
41.68% (G:14.90% B:0.46%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.267...+0.293) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 20 seconds
6.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9(3)eq: +0.275 (-0.206)
Player:
Opponent:
58.69% (G:12.93% B:0.60%)
41.31% (G:15.21% B:0.46%)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (+0.260...+0.289) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 13 seconds
7.Rollout1Bar/21 8/4(2) 6/2eq: +0.202 (-0.279)
Player:
Opponent:
56.71% (G:12.11% B:0.56%)
43.29% (G:14.10% B:0.29%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (+0.191...+0.214) - [0.0%]
Duration: 5 minutes 31 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller






















Comments: After the forced bar/21, it looks natural to make the 4pt with Black's two spares on his 8pt, especially since a strong board is typically a useful defense against having one's straggler attacked. However, the race is still close, and so there's a lot of value in blocking in White's two back checkers by making the 9pt, which is 6 pips away, and preparing to make a solid five-prime with 11/7. In the (admittedly somewhat artificially constructed) Variant position below, Black has an extra spare on his 8pt, so after making the 4pt, he still has spares on two different points to make the bar point if White misses.



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 143, White 142
XGID=---b-BC-E--AcC---c-db---aA:0:0:1:44:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout1Bar/21 13/9(3)eq: +0.447
Player:
Opponent:
62.33% (G:12.23% B:0.53%)
37.67% (G:10.36% B:0.18%)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.440...+0.454) - [51.6%]
Duration: 23 minutes 11 seconds
2.Rollout1Bar/21 11/7 8/4(2)eq: +0.447 (0.000)
Player:
Opponent:
62.35% (G:13.76% B:0.58%)
37.65% (G:10.09% B:0.19%)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.440...+0.453) - [48.4%]
Duration: 22 minutes 47 seconds
3.Rollout1Bar/21 8/4(3)eq: +0.397 (-0.049)
Player:
Opponent:
61.36% (G:11.96% B:0.52%)
38.64% (G:10.20% B:0.22%)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.392...+0.403) - [0.0%]
Duration: 23 minutes 53 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller













Problem 6: 5 point match, Black 1, White 0

Pip counts: Black 102, White 133
XGID=-aABBCBA--A-cB-aAc-cbb----:1:-1:1:32:1:0:0:5:10




1.Rollout17/2eq: +0.435
Player:
Opponent:
65.30% (G:28.63% B:0.83%)
34.70% (G:6.62% B:0.51%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.426...+0.445) - [100.0%]
Duration: 2 minutes 53 seconds
2.Rollout116/13 7/5eq: +0.349 (-0.087)
Player:
Opponent:
66.35% (G:21.29% B:0.41%)
33.65% (G:6.30% B:0.42%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.340...+0.357) - [0.0%]
Duration: 2 minutes 40 seconds
3.Rollout116/14 10/7eq: +0.321 (-0.114)
Player:
Opponent:
65.02% (G:22.79% B:1.01%)
34.98% (G:9.55% B:0.70%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.311...+0.332) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 04 seconds
4.Rollout116/14 5/2eq: +0.289 (-0.146)
Player:
Opponent:
62.86% (G:23.08% B:0.71%)
37.14% (G:8.37% B:0.71%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.280...+0.299) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 14 seconds
5.Rollout14/2 4/1* eq: +0.286 (-0.150)
Player:
Opponent:
59.35% (G:34.11% B:0.84%)
40.65% (G:14.92% B:1.85%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.277...+0.295) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 38 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

















Comments: Once again, the match score makes a difference. It might seem natural to play either 10/7, preventing White from escaping her straggler with a 6, or 16/13 7/5, which minimizes shots. Both of these would be reasonable plays at double match point (see Variant 1 below). At this score, gammons are valuable, so Black needs to consider the gammonish plays 7/2 (making a five-point board) and 4/2 4/1*. The latter sacrifices too many winning chances, leaving 7/2 as the rollout winner. Note also that one important disadvantage of 16/13 7/5 is that it stacks up on the 5pt. If we were to shift Black's spare on his 5pt to his 6pt, then eXtreme Gammon would slightly favor 16/13 7/5 over 7/2, even at this score (see Variant 2 below).



Variant 1: 1 point match

Pip counts: Black 102, White 133
XGID=-aABBCBA--A-cB-aAc-cbb----:0:0:1:32:0:0:0:1:10




1.Rollout116/13 7/5eq: +0.328
Player:
Opponent:
66.41% (G:16.64% B:0.54%)
33.59% (G:5.49% B:0.38%)
Conf.: ± 0.002 (+0.326...+0.330) - [100.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 29 seconds
2.Rollout17/2eq: +0.323 (-0.006)
Player:
Opponent:
66.13% (G:23.87% B:0.88%)
33.87% (G:5.96% B:0.48%)
Conf.: ± 0.002 (+0.320...+0.325) - [0.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 20 seconds
3.Rollout116/14 10/7eq: +0.304 (-0.024)
Player:
Opponent:
65.21% (G:20.85% B:1.53%)
34.79% (G:9.17% B:0.89%)
Conf.: ± 0.003 (+0.302...+0.307) - [0.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 49 seconds
4.Rollout116/14 5/2eq: +0.277 (-0.051)
Player:
Opponent:
63.85% (G:18.72% B:0.98%)
36.15% (G:7.37% B:0.60%)
Conf.: ± 0.002 (+0.275...+0.279) - [0.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 32 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller














Variant 2: 5 point match, Black 1, White 0

Pip counts: Black 103, White 133
XGID=-aABBBCA--A-cB-aAc-cbb----:1:-1:1:32:1:0:0:5:10




1.Rollout116/13 7/5eq: +0.464
Player:
Opponent:
70.01% (G:20.53% B:0.53%)
29.99% (G:5.14% B:0.34%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.460...+0.468) - [100.0%]
Duration: 10 minutes 48 seconds
2.Rollout17/2eq: +0.438 (-0.026)
Player:
Opponent:
65.34% (G:28.53% B:1.07%)
34.66% (G:6.71% B:0.60%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (+0.434...+0.443) - [0.0%]
Duration: 11 minutes 22 seconds
3.Rollout116/14 10/7eq: +0.333 (-0.131)
Player:
Opponent:
65.75% (G:22.25% B:1.11%)
34.25% (G:9.51% B:0.87%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (+0.328...+0.338) - [0.0%]
Duration: 11 minutes 51 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller













Problem 7: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 129, White 145
XGID=-aBBBbBB----b-BA-b-ccBb---:1:-1:1:64:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout114/4eq: -0.226
Player:
Opponent:
48.03% (G:16.28% B:0.55%)
51.97% (G:13.53% B:0.54%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.236...-0.216) - [100.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 19 seconds
2.Rollout114/10 14/8eq: -0.298 (-0.072)
Player:
Opponent:
46.62% (G:13.90% B:0.61%)
53.38% (G:16.05% B:0.72%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.308...-0.288) - [0.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 58 seconds
3.Rollout115/9 14/10eq: -0.320 (-0.095)
Player:
Opponent:
45.72% (G:16.22% B:0.88%)
54.28% (G:18.50% B:0.81%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.332...-0.309) - [0.0%]
Duration: 14 minutes 04 seconds
4.Rollout17/3 7/1* eq: -0.321 (-0.095)
Player:
Opponent:
46.08% (G:13.54% B:0.32%)
53.92% (G:16.15% B:0.74%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.332...-0.309) - [0.0%]
Duration: 15 minutes 16 seconds
5.Rollout115/11 7/1* eq: -0.330 (-0.104)
Player:
Opponent:
46.37% (G:13.26% B:0.25%)
53.63% (G:17.41% B:0.70%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.340...-0.319) - [0.0%]
Duration: 14 minutes 12 seconds
6.Rollout121/15 14/10eq: -0.340 (-0.114)
Player:
Opponent:
46.35% (G:16.78% B:1.18%)
53.65% (G:24.18% B:1.43%)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.352...-0.327) - [0.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 13 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller



















Comments: Black would rather not leave a direct shot here, but he has no choice. Breaking anchor with 21/15 14/10 leaves far too many blots and shots, so his real choice is between leaving shots in the outfield and attacking on the 1pt. Since Black has the stronger board and hitting minimizes return shots, hitting might seem to be the way to go. The trouble is that the blot on the 1pt is hard to cover even if it is not hit immediately, and hitting does not help with Black's need to clear his outfield points. The rollout favors the unusual-looking 14/4, giving White a double shot at two blots in the outfield, but giving White a number of awkward rolls if she does not hit, as well as keeping the bar point (which prevents White from escaping the straggler with a 6). This bold play is licensed in part by Black's stronger board; in the Variant position below, White has a four-point board as well, and 14/14 and 7/3 7/1* roll out very close.



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 129, White 138
XGID=-aBBBbBB----b-BA-b-bbBbb--:1:-1:1:64:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout114/4eq: -0.391
Player:
Opponent:
43.37% (G:13.37% B:0.49%)
56.63% (G:16.27% B:0.62%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.396...-0.387) - [99.7%]
Duration: 11 minutes 31 seconds
2.Rollout17/3 7/1* eq: -0.401 (-0.009)
Player:
Opponent:
44.02% (G:13.01% B:0.29%)
55.98% (G:18.69% B:0.77%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.406...-0.396) - [0.3%]
Duration: 12 minutes 52 seconds
3.Rollout115/11 7/1* eq: -0.413 (-0.022)
Player:
Opponent:
44.09% (G:12.59% B:0.27%)
55.91% (G:21.17% B:0.85%)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.418...-0.409) - [0.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 51 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller













Problem 8: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 135, White 140
XGID=-A-a-BE-B--adBB--abbbb--A-:1:1:1:65:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout18/2 6/1eq: -0.358
Player:
Opponent:
30.91% (G:12.31% B:0.23%)
69.09% (G:19.62% B:1.07%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.366...-0.350) - [100.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 13 seconds
2.Rollout113/8 13/7eq: -0.454 (-0.096)
Player:
Opponent:
27.08% (G:9.19% B:0.21%)
72.92% (G:17.88% B:0.84%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.463...-0.446) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 44 seconds
3.Rollout114/8 6/1eq: -0.488 (-0.130)
Player:
Opponent:
26.21% (G:8.98% B:0.18%)
73.79% (G:18.32% B:0.91%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.497...-0.479) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 27 seconds
4.Rollout114/9 14/8eq: -0.535 (-0.177)
Player:
Opponent:
24.50% (G:8.32% B:0.33%)
75.50% (G:18.53% B:0.93%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.543...-0.526) - [0.0%]
Duration: 3 minutes 42 seconds
 
1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller















Comments: This is another position where Black would rather not leave a blot but has no choice. Perhaps the most natural-looking play is 13/8 13/7, but following the general principle that a blot on the 1pt should be covered at the first convenient opportunity lest it become a liability later, 8/2 6/1 leaves about the same number of shots while covering the 1pt. Note that 14/8 6/1 also covers the 1pt but leaves a double shot in the outfield; otherwise, it would be a contender (see Variant position below).



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 135, White 136
XGID=-A-a-BE-B---dBBa-abbbb--A-:1:1:1:65:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout114/8 6/1eq: -0.403
Player:
Opponent:
29.06% (G:10.03% B:0.32%)
70.94% (G:18.06% B:0.80%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (-0.407...-0.399) - [100.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 36 seconds
2.Rollout18/2 6/1eq: -0.429 (-0.026)
Player:
Opponent:
29.14% (G:11.04% B:0.23%)
70.86% (G:21.30% B:1.16%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (-0.433...-0.425) - [0.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 02 seconds
3.Rollout113/8 13/7eq: -0.536 (-0.133)
Player:
Opponent:
25.15% (G:7.19% B:0.16%)
74.85% (G:19.11% B:0.83%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (-0.540...-0.532) - [0.0%]
Duration: 13 minutes 45 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller













Problem 9: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 139, White 153
XGID=-b--CBD-B--Ac--b-b-cbB-aA-:0:0:1:21:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout124/22 6/5eq: +0.375
Player:
Opponent:
56.77% (G:23.29% B:1.30%)
43.23% (G:9.72% B:0.46%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.367...+0.383) - [100.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
2.Rollout124/23* 11/9eq: +0.295 (-0.080)
Player:
Opponent:
53.96% (G:24.22% B:2.37%)
46.04% (G:10.54% B:0.50%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.286...+0.305) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes
3.Rollout111/9 6/5eq: +0.293 (-0.082)
Player:
Opponent:
54.72% (G:22.56% B:1.34%)
45.28% (G:10.52% B:0.50%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.285...+0.301) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes
4.Rollout124/22 11/10eq: +0.288 (-0.088)
Player:
Opponent:
54.83% (G:21.95% B:1.13%)
45.17% (G:9.80% B:0.43%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.280...+0.296) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 06 minutes
5.Rollout124/23* 23/21eq: +0.284 (-0.091)
Player:
Opponent:
53.96% (G:23.66% B:2.27%)
46.04% (G:10.00% B:0.42%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.275...+0.294) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes
6.Rollout124/23* 6/4eq: +0.243 (-0.132)
Player:
Opponent:
52.90% (G:23.80% B:2.38%)
47.10% (G:11.17% B:0.59%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.233...+0.253) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 24 minutes
7.Rollout124/21eq: +0.226 (-0.149)
Player:
Opponent:
53.30% (G:20.58% B:0.85%)
46.70% (G:9.48% B:0.40%)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.219...+0.234) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 09 minutes
8.Rollout111/8eq: +0.222 (-0.154)
Player:
Opponent:
53.18% (G:21.29% B:1.04%)
46.82% (G:10.10% B:0.45%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.213...+0.230) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 hour 03 minutes
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller
























Comments: It's very tempting to hit with 24/23* here, but Black is already well ahead in the pip count, and his priority is not to gain more pips but to escape his back checkers. The problem with 24/23* is that it actually makes it harder for Black to escape with 6's. Black is better off quietly improving his position with 24/22 6/5. Note that if White's 8pt checkers were on her 7pt instead, it would be a different story (see Variant position below).



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 139, White 151
XGID=-b--CBD-B--Ac--b--bcbB-aA-:0:0:1:21:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout124/23* 11/9eq: +0.446
Player:
Opponent:
56.96% (G:25.98% B:2.92%)
43.04% (G:9.46% B:0.50%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.437...+0.456) - [100.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 20 seconds
2.Rollout124/23* 23/21eq: +0.417 (-0.029)
Player:
Opponent:
56.85% (G:25.04% B:2.57%)
43.15% (G:8.83% B:0.42%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.407...+0.426) - [0.0%]
Duration: 25 minutes 06 seconds
3.Rollout124/22 6/5eq: +0.415 (-0.031)
Player:
Opponent:
57.76% (G:23.40% B:1.34%)
42.24% (G:9.37% B:0.45%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.406...+0.423) - [0.0%]
Duration: 20 minutes 30 seconds
4.Rollout124/23* 6/4eq: +0.407 (-0.040)
Player:
Opponent:
56.22% (G:25.56% B:2.93%)
43.78% (G:9.79% B:0.49%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.397...+0.416) - [0.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 44 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller
















Problem 10: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 166, White 138
XGID=-----bDaD--BAA-Abc-e-b--B-:0:0:1:11:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout111/10(2) 8/7*(2) eq: -0.106
Player:
Opponent:
49.29% (G:8.31% B:0.35%)
50.71% (G:16.51% B:0.87%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.115...-0.097) - [100.0%]
Duration: 29 minutes 20 seconds
2.Rollout115/14 12/11 8/7*(2) eq: -0.188 (-0.082)
Player:
Opponent:
47.36% (G:7.79% B:0.33%)
52.64% (G:17.20% B:0.84%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.196...-0.179) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 06 seconds
3.Rollout124/23(2) 8/7*(2) eq: -0.196 (-0.090)
Player:
Opponent:
46.63% (G:7.97% B:0.33%)
53.37% (G:16.11% B:0.73%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.204...-0.188) - [0.0%]
Duration: 29 minutes 04 seconds
4.Rollout124/23 12/11 8/7*(2) eq: -0.196 (-0.090)
Player:
Opponent:
47.40% (G:8.18% B:0.34%)
52.60% (G:18.97% B:1.01%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.206...-0.187) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 24 seconds
5.Rollout113/11 8/7*(2) eq: -0.200 (-0.094)
Player:
Opponent:
47.12% (G:7.68% B:0.32%)
52.88% (G:17.38% B:0.87%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.208...-0.191) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 02 seconds
6.Rollout124/23 13/12 8/7*(2) eq: -0.213 (-0.106)
Player:
Opponent:
46.75% (G:7.69% B:0.33%)
53.25% (G:18.00% B:0.71%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.221...-0.204) - [0.0%]
Duration: 27 minutes 31 seconds
7.Rollout112/10 8/7*(2) eq: -0.213 (-0.107)
Player:
Opponent:
47.57% (G:8.97% B:0.42%)
52.43% (G:20.12% B:1.71%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.223...-0.203) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 36 seconds
8.Rollout115/13 8/7*(2) eq: -0.218 (-0.112)
Player:
Opponent:
46.73% (G:7.44% B:0.31%)
53.27% (G:17.85% B:0.76%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.227...-0.208) - [0.0%]
Duration: 26 minutes 37 seconds
9.Rollout115/14 13/12 8/7*(2) eq: -0.219 (-0.113)
Player:
Opponent:
46.66% (G:7.42% B:0.30%)
53.34% (G:17.77% B:0.75%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.228...-0.210) - [0.0%]
Duration: 26 minutes 36 seconds
10.Rollout124/22 8/7*(2) eq: -0.238 (-0.132)
Player:
Opponent:
46.80% (G:8.39% B:0.35%)
53.20% (G:20.63% B:1.51%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.246...-0.229) - [0.0%]
Duration: 29 minutes 14 seconds
11.Rollout124/23 15/14 8/7*(2) eq: -0.248 (-0.142)
Player:
Opponent:
46.36% (G:8.00% B:0.36%)
53.64% (G:19.81% B:1.36%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.256...-0.239) - [0.0%]
Duration: 26 minutes 04 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller































Comments: After the obvious 8/7*(2), Black has to weigh various priorities. He is way behind in the pip count, so he wants to block White's anchor if he can, and perhaps make some home-board points to cause trouble for White's straggler. His back checkers are getting primed, so he would like to try to escape them, but without giving White too many opportunities to attack with her 12 checkers in the zone. The eXtreme Gammon rollout favors 11/10(2), which gives up the six-away point but keeps an eye on the 4pt in case White enters there. Black's outfield checkers are not in any danger of getting hit, so keeping them on separate points gives him more ways to make another outfield blocking point next roll. But note that Black's balancing of priorities would be much trickier if his 4pt were already made (see Variant position below).



Variant: Unlimited game

Pip counts: Black 162, White 138
XGID=----BbBaD--BAA-Abc-e-b--B-:0:0:1:11:0:0:0:0:10




1.Rollout124/23 12/11 8/7*(2) eq: +0.084
Player:
Opponent:
54.08% (G:9.14% B:0.39%)
45.92% (G:14.23% B:0.62%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.075...+0.093) - [94.7%]
Duration: 30 minutes 01 second
2.Rollout112/10 8/7*(2) eq: +0.073 (-0.011)
Player:
Opponent:
53.97% (G:9.68% B:0.45%)
46.03% (G:15.20% B:0.93%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.064...+0.082) - [5.2%]
Duration: 29 minutes 01 second
3.Rollout124/23 13/12 8/7*(2) eq: +0.063 (-0.021)
Player:
Opponent:
53.55% (G:8.61% B:0.38%)
46.45% (G:14.07% B:0.50%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.054...+0.072) - [0.0%]
Duration: 29 minutes 09 seconds
4.Rollout113/11 8/7*(2) eq: +0.062 (-0.022)
Player:
Opponent:
53.26% (G:8.61% B:0.35%)
46.74% (G:13.69% B:0.55%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.053...+0.070) - [0.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 19 seconds
5.Rollout124/22 8/7*(2) eq: +0.048 (-0.036)
Player:
Opponent:
53.30% (G:9.11% B:0.38%)
46.70% (G:15.22% B:0.83%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.040...+0.056) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 40 seconds
6.Rollout115/14 12/11 8/7*(2) eq: +0.047 (-0.037)
Player:
Opponent:
53.06% (G:8.36% B:0.35%)
46.94% (G:13.75% B:0.53%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.039...+0.055) - [0.0%]
Duration: 25 minutes 05 seconds
7.Rollout124/23 15/14 8/7*(2) eq: +0.044 (-0.040)
Player:
Opponent:
53.28% (G:9.04% B:0.39%)
46.72% (G:15.11% B:0.87%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.035...+0.052) - [0.0%]
Duration: 27 minutes 21 seconds
8.Rollout124/23(2) 8/7*(2) eq: +0.035 (-0.048)
Player:
Opponent:
52.33% (G:8.81% B:0.36%)
47.67% (G:13.16% B:0.53%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.027...+0.044) - [0.0%]
Duration: 28 minutes 07 seconds
9.Rollout111/10(2) 8/7*(2) eq: +0.034 (-0.050)
Player:
Opponent:
52.82% (G:8.47% B:0.37%)
47.18% (G:14.21% B:0.62%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.023...+0.045) - [0.0%]
Duration: 27 minutes 53 seconds
10.Rollout115/14 13/12 8/7*(2) eq: +0.020 (-0.063)
Player:
Opponent:
52.57% (G:8.11% B:0.34%)
47.43% (G:13.97% B:0.53%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.012...+0.029) - [0.0%]
Duration: 26 minutes 44 seconds
11.Rollout115/13 8/7*(2) eq: +0.018 (-0.065)
Player:
Opponent:
52.46% (G:8.24% B:0.36%)
47.54% (G:14.36% B:0.54%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.010...+0.027) - [0.0%]
Duration: 24 minutes 21 seconds
 
1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 271828
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller






























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