the only time I speed as you call it is when I get double 5's or 6's early on, and then I rarely ever go past 13, as far as leaving uncovered players in the 7-12 spot, it depends where in the 13-18 spot my opponent is, of course I will sometimes try to goat him to take me with a single player, if I am set up to take him back no matter what, gainging a pip advantage. Then theres the question, How many players do I bear on before advancing? and also How do I adjust to my opponents style? No single right way but many wrong ones.