The Golden Point

Hey backgammon fans, Marc Olsen here! In this post, we'll delve into the concept of the golden point. You might wonder, what exactly is the golden point? Well, this term was coined by none other than the legendary Paul Magriel, featured in the "Backgammon Bible" of 1976. While this book may seem a touch outdated in the realm of today's theoretical knowledge, I highly recommend it for historical insights. It stands as one of the pivotal background books in the history of the game. It's truly remarkable how proficient Magriel was during the '70s, employing hand rollouts and gameplay. His level of understanding was truly brilliant, even when compared to today's grandmasters. It was Magriel who gave us the term "the golden point."

The Golden Point on the Board

So, what exactly is the golden point? It's a critical facet of the game, centered around the five point and the twenty point. To visualize, my five point corresponds to your twenty point, and conversely, my twenty point aligns with your five point. These are the coveted golden points.

My five point = your twenty point

Your five point = my twenty point

The Advantages of Having an Anchor on the Golden Point

For instance, if I establish an anchor on the golden point, it not only seizes your five point but also obstructs you from executing your offensive strategies effectively. With an anchor on the golden point, implementing a priming structure against me becomes exceptionally challenging. Although you might try to construct something akin to an outfield prime, it lacks the strength needed to effectively prime me. So, you cannot easily impose a priming game plan on me when I hold this crucial anchor.

Establishing an anchor on the golden point

Also, having an anchor on the golden point safeguards me against being closed out in a blitz. Even if you manage to hit me and make several inner points, my anchor on the golden point ensures I always have the option to enter with a roll of five, enabling me to withstand the blitz. The presence of such an anchor acts as a shield against a full-blown blitz.

The golden point becoming my safe point against a blitz

This anchor on the golden point also shines when I'm leading the race. This strategic position puts me in an ideal spot to capitalize on high rolls and make swift progress. If fortune favors me with a substantial double roll, which tends to occur eventually, having an anchor on the golden point allows me to launch an advantageous move by moving my checkers out to the outfield, even as far as the twenty point, effectively bringing my checkers home.

The same principle applies on my side of the board. I'm keen on preventing you from gaining an anchor on the golden point. For instance, let's consider an opening move like 5-4. The optimal play involves splitting and bringing a builder down to the eight point from the midpoint. 

This split is geared towards positioning for a subsequent roll that would allow you to make the coveted golden point. In most scenarios, I'd choose to hit loose whenever possible, like in the case of a roll like 1-4. 

My best strategy against your roll (1-4), to fight for the golden point.

This aggressive approach comes from the importance of the golden point. I'm essentially battling to secure this prime position. While your hit might occur slightly more than half the time, the odds are still close to 50-50.

Sample Scenarios with the Golden Point Advantage

Imagine a scenario where you roll a 3-1 and miss your hit. In this case, you'd likely play your three and hit loose with your ace. My position is now strategically advantageous, allowing flexibility in my future moves. With the five point primed and ready for completion, I can enter and complete the five point in my next turn. I might even choose to hit you and continue pursuing my aggressive strategy.

The advantageous position I have thanks to the golden point

In essence, the golden points, the five and the twenty point, hold utmost importance in the game of backgammon. I need to say that many beginners often consider the bar point or the seven point as the most critical ones. However, this is not correct. 

For instance, let's explore the scenario where I start with a 2-1 opening roll. Playing a 2 and a 1, I'd choose to split my back checkers using the aces. 

Now, if you roll something like 5-2, a roll that doesn't offer much advantage, you'd also choose to split and bring a checker down while building on the eight point.

Now, let's imagine that I roll a 6-1. Interestingly, many players, especially beginners or those less experienced, might choose to build the seven point, assuming it's the most crucial. However, the real center of importance is the golden point. In this situation, constructing the golden point is a much wiser move. Why? Because the golden point serves as both a priming point and an inner point. 

The golden point as a priming and an inner point

In contrast, the seven point only serves as a priming point. It lacks the versatility needed to combat a blitz effectively. The five point, on the other hand, grants you the inner board points needed to hinder your opponent's ability to enter. So, in the order of importance, the five point comes out on top.

Other Strategic Points on the Board

Next in line is the four point, surpassing the seven point for similar reasons. It serves as a potent priming point and an inner point. As we move to the three point, the difference becomes a bit more detailed. Usually, the seven point edges out the three point, and this trend continues as the game deepens. 

The same concept applies to anchors. When we compare the golden point anchor to one on the 21 point, we see that the golden point is better. As the game goes on, the anchor becomes weaker. This happens because there's more blocking and less space for your back checkers. It's harder to get away, and that's why the golden point is really important in backgammon strategy.

For more profound insights into backgammon strategies and tips, stay engaged with this content!

The link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/S_HqU35w7tw