Backgammon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IN THE Strand Magazine Tournament of 1899, Watson was drawn against the fiendish Moriarty. Early in the match, playing black, he had to decide how to play 61.
Since Holmes had often expostulated on the strength of a 5-point prime, he decided to risk leaving a blot on his mid-point and played 13/7, 8/7. The denouement was swift. Moriarty hit with a 41 playing 13/12*, 22/18. Watson entered with a 53 playing bar/ 22, 6/1 and two rolls later had to drop Moriarty's redouble.
Later, showing the position to the great detective, he bemoaned his luck. "Luck, Watson, has nothing to do with it," said Holmes. "I am afraid that once again you have let a general principle interfere with your analysis of a position.
"Five-point primes are all very well, but what is black's objective here? Surely his main priority is to escape his back man. Once that has been achieved he should win easily. This would indicate that the correct play is 24/18, 6/5. A tactical point, which should help you to conclude that this is the right play, is that if Moriarty hits your blot on his bar point with a 1 or a 2, he must break a good point to do so. In this instance, escaping the back man takes priority over building what might be a very short-lived 5-point prime."
"As ever, Holmes, your explanation makes everything seem so simple." "How complimentary, my dear Watson."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments