3-point match, −1/−1, white to move:
71cAAAcz2zYIAA:MAFmACAAEAAE
I will hide reasoning and gnubg analysis in case anyone want to think about the position by themselves.
The move I chose and the correct one
In this position, I played the very uninspiring 14/9. It is a double match point, so no gammons, I am slightly behing in the race (one pip after moving), but opponent has wastage and my five-prime means he won't be able to play fives.
GNUbg suggests 14/10 7/6. I am not sure why I should fish for another chequer — and by leaving two shots — when gammons are not in the equation.
Can you help me see the theme in this position?
Normally I'd want to let Black's back checkers move, so that I can hit, hope he comes in on the 2pt, then get a chance for him to break the anchor so I can attack. 7/6 7/3 looks like the best way to do that. But this is DMP so there's no pressing need to get a closeout or send back more checkers. We're actually leading in the race due to all her wastage. So 14/9 goes up in value, just trying to keep those 3 checkers behind a 5-prime while we come forward. I'd still play 7/6 7/3 because I hate giving up outfield control.
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Well, I typed that then looked at the answer. Sure, keeping both escaping numbers slotted makes sense. Even without gammons in play, the race is close enough that if she runs, you'll want the possibility of hitting again.
XG++ slightly prefers 14/10 3/2, getting the best of both worlds: slotting to get more shots, while keeping the 5-prime!
Many thanks David, it would have never occourred to me that attacking was the right option here.