11-point Match
White 9 Black 7
White to play 55

Black is anxious to save the gammon here as a two-points win for White gives him the match and White is out of the running. Black looks on as a great 55 is rolled, but, as White begins to play Black can't believe his eyes! White plays 6/1, 6/1 as you might expect, but, then he takes two men from his 5-point and places them on the bar!

Black looks on, speechless; and White, after picking up his dice (move concluded) realises with horror his mistake. What would you do as Black in the position below?

Black to roll

White has made an illegal move and, according to Rule 4.8 Illegal Moves: "Upon drawing attention to an illegal move the player [Black in this instance] may condone it or demand that it be played legally." So, what is Black to do? He knows that White just made a mistake, and White knows that within the rules his men must remain on the bar if Black accepts his illegal move. Black cannot afford to lose a gammon and this misplay gives him a great opportunity to not only avoid losing the match thus but he even has a chance of a gammon of his own. But, on the other hand he doesn't want to use the rules in his favour in such a manner.

Both players sit and debate the consequences and, without my involvement, come to a compromise. Black agrees to accept the illegal move but then doubles White prior to rolling his dice in the knowledge that White will, as agreed, drop the cube and give Black a much needed one point.

This sort of sportsmanship is what makes a top player: Interpreting the rules in a fair and proper manner. Rules aren't always black and white, they are often grey and this joint decision on how to resolve a very difficult situation was an example of just how grey they can be at times.

When I later learned of the above I was impressed that both players agreed on the solution without recourse to me. It saved me a difficult decision and ended a dispute without acrimony.

It might be a coincidence but both the players concerned were nominated for the Biba Sportsmanship Trophy 2000, sponsored by Dod Davies, in the May issue of Bibafax and, in August this year (2000) we will vote at the British Open to decide the Sportsmanship Trophy Winner - I only wish I had two votes to cast!

- Michael Crane