Money Game Position

This position analysis came up in a money game where there were several “world class”  backgammon players, and there was great disagreement about the plays.  Some believed it was important to move the two back checkers up to have a chance to get out with big numbers and possibly win the race.  Also, coming up pretty much guarantees that black does not get gammoned. 

Others argued that being down so many pips (41 before the roll), it is silly to try and race, and it’s more important to stay back because in the long run, you might get that shot that wins the game. 

And the third argument was a compromise…come up with one of the back checkers and try to get the best of both worlds. 

Everyone made their arguments, and a couple of people even felt strongly enough to make bets on the play.  The second argument won easily.  The basic theory that you are way behind in the race and therefore you need to stay back makes the most sense.  According to GNUBG, any other play is a big error…even the second-best play is wrong by about 5.5%, which is a fairly large error for a top player to make.