Playing the Deuce: Build or Split?

Now, let us compare Red's choice of the deuce. In the top two diagrams (1A and 1B) of our earlier diagram matrix, 2-down (building) was chosen. In the bottom two diagrams (1C and 1D), 2-up (splitting) was chosen. These deuces have been isolated and featured below:

What are the liabilities of each of these deuces?

In 1G, with 2-down, Red allows White to hit outside with 64.

In 1H, with 2-up, Red allows White's 33 and 53 to point on him, and her 55 to double-point on him. White's attacking 55 was featured as the main reason for not splitting with a deuce in old backgammon literature, but in reality it is only a small part of the equation.

It appears that the liabilities of the two deuces are close to a wash.

What are the assets of each of these deuces?

In diagram 1G (left), 2-down gives Red new numbers on the next roll to make his 7pt or his 5pt, namely 64 41 63 (and 61 now makes the better of the two points). It becomes more dangerous for White to split to either of these key points. Moreover, Red's 62 52 32 21 can make his 11pt next turn.

In diagram 1H (right), Red's 2-up will be able to run to safety with 63 or 54, anchor on the 18pt with 64, or on the 22pt with 52 32. Also, White is inhibited from bringing down a builder with a 2, 3 or 4 (particularly a 4), or from slotting.

From this breakdown, preventing White from splitting or building appears to be just as valuable. However, running or anchoring on the 22pt in 1H does not sound as valuable as the offensive point-making numbers in 1G. Why is the asset side of the ledger so light for 1H?

The main reason that 1H falls short has to do with the fact that Red's 24pt checker and 22pt checker are two pips apart, just like his 8pt and 6pt. By splitting to the 22pt, Red duplicates some of his point-making rolls on both sides of the board.

Splitting with a deuce gives Red 6 numbers that make an advanced anchor on his next shake: 31 42 64. But of these, Red's 64 is the only roll that plays much better on his next roll as a result of his splitting. The point is that 31 and 42 are already strong rolls for Red, making his 5pt or 4pt.

In, there are the same two minor factors against splitting as mentioned earlier (gives up tempi to White's hits, and Red's doublets play worse).

Another options, are an interplay between 3 and 2 and playing the 32 according to the match score.