Bearing off question

ellyssian · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

I have heard about a rule that states that you have to maximize your pips when you are bearing off, moving as many points as possible. For instance, let’s say I have one checker on my 6-point and two checkers on my 1-point and I roll a 6-2. I can bear the checker off of the 6-point (using 6 pips) and then bear a checker off of the 1-point because this is my only remaining option (using 1 pip). This play would allow me to bear off two checkers using a total of seven pips. I could also move the checker from the 6-point to the 4-point (using 2 pips) and then bear off this checker from the 4-point (using 4 pips). This allows me to bear off one checker in a total of six pips. Which play would be correct? I am under the impression that I would have to use the first one because it uses more pips.

Jade · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 27

Regardless of the fact that the first option uses more pips you would choose it because it allows you to remove two checkers instead of only one. Why would you move the checker from the 6-point to the 4-point if you have rolled a six that will allow you to remove this point directly. The only case in which you may want to do this is if there is an opposing blot on 4. The answer here seems obvious.

Deuce · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 38

I think that the example was just given in this situation to illustrate the question. The answer is that it really doesn’t matter how many pips you move while you are bearing off. You should always choose the best move. If, in the situation given there was an opposing blot on the bar then it would be better to move 6-4 and then bear off in order to avoid a blot on your one point that your opponent could roll in to hit. However, if the game is in the straight race it is a better decision to bear off two checkers so that you can win the game quickly. However, in either case, you will be able to bear off all of your remaining checkers (be it one or two) in your next move.

To rephrase, there is no rule stating that you have to maximize your pip usage while bearing off so do whatever your heart desires.