alanback: I would have made the 5 point which would have put 4 in a row the opponent would have to "jump" over when he got out. At least that is my quick opinion when I look at that move.

BIG BAD WOLF: Yet if I do that, his only runner escapes on a 5 or 6 and I have no direct shot at it. My thought was that by hitting he needs a combo to come out, and I might be able to hit him again or make the 5 point on a later roll. Also, he has several ways of hitting me and making his own 4 point on his next roll; by putting him on the bar I take away most of those possibilities.

alanback: Should have taken a longer look at it - YES, I would have done exactly what you did if it meant sending the piece to the bar (did not notice that before)

IF the piece was already on the bar (like I thought before), then I would have closed the 5 space - but if it meant sending the piece to the bar, then that almost always is more helpful then a 4-in-a-row block.

alanback:I would have played it as you did, he now has only half the numbers to get back in and you can still make more points

alanback: hit and make the 3 point, a prime of four is not much if the opponent can jump with one dice

alanback: i would have hit .. but thats just because i like to send pieces to the bar (played too many ttt on dailygammon i guess :))

it leaves a single, but that can be used to fill the 5 hole later

alanback: I too would have hit without hesitation