New day. A simple opening mistake. White opens with 36s and plays the big split 24/18 then brings down an outfield builder 13/10 Black replies with 42s. Almost all opponent blots in the early opening are best hit, and Black's roll represents a dividing line. Black correctly plays 13/7*, hitting White off the barpoint. White…

Not the beginning you wanted, eh? Son, that sure is no way to start any game of backgammon, let alone one in our sessions or chouettes. You must play the game fickle, play it slippery, then pause with cunning. Later on, play it hot and sweaty as summer jailbait. Or launch a sudden attack, a…