the banana split

[admin]

here is a play known as "banana split". It may be a bit scary but can be the correct play and sometimes anything else could be a blunder. "Desperate times call for desperate measures"

I was rewarded for my bravery by winning the match

(click the image for full size pic of the board and analysis)

the sgf of the match is attached as well for viewing with gnubg (http://www.gnubg.org)

[admin]

Here is another "banana split" play that I completely missed. Never considered it. Upon review and double blunder evaluation for my selected move, yeah. I see how it must be the correct play. It's a tough one to catch though as all the outer pieces give the impression the opponent could be trapped or hit if tries to escape. The key is the blot on his home board and his home board is not at all threatening so the hitting play is clearly correct if only had taken the time to see it as an option.

3 pt match score 0-0 cube is on 4 so we playing for the match

1. Rollout 14/9 5/4* Eq.: +0.225

2. Rollout 23/18 5/4* Eq.: +0.160 ( -0.065)

3. Rollout 23/17 Eq.: -0.013 ( -0.238)

4. Rollout 23/18 7/6 Eq.: -0.013 ( -0.238)

My play #4 was a double blunder. Top play wins 61% to 48% for the blunder.
Backgammon is tricky

[admin]

another example of a banana split that I completely missed. Didn't see it at all until the analysis showed a blunder.

5 pt match score 0-0

[admin]

Another interesting banana split. Aren't they so much fun?
How would you play it?
According to gnubg rollout, there is only a single correct play everything else is a BLUNDER
Score is 3-3 (5 pt match)






1. Rollout 23/17 6/4 Eq.: -0.821

2. Rollout 23/17 12/10 Eq.: -0.935 ( -0.114)

3. Rollout 23/17 11/9 Eq.: -0.977 ( -0.156)

4. Rollout 23/15 Eq.: -0.978 ( -0.157)

5. Rollout 23/17 3/1 Eq.: -1.001 ( -0.180)

6. Rollout 23/17 5/3 Eq.: -1.081 ( -0.260)