(This
game was originally written for the strategy booklet that comes with
the Kosmos edition of Twixt. It was translated into German. It has
also been published in the USA, in the newsletter "Strategist".
This version has been edited and corrected from the original.)
Here
is a game I made up on a 12x12 board. I have included several
questions, ranging from simple to subtle. White makes the odd-numbered
moves, and Black makes the even-numbered moves. In this game, the
2nd player may not swap sides.
1.G6
Without
the option to swap sides, 1.G6 is a very strong first move.
Black will have to try to build a chain around one side or the other
of this peg. By playing midway between the White border rows, White
is making Black’s choice as difficult as possible.
|
2.G8
|
 |
|
Black
tries to block White. If White now tries to directly link
past Black with 3.F8*, Black can counter with 4.E9*
(see diagram on the right)
|
Black
has an easy win here. So, let’s back up and look at a much stronger
move for White, 3.C8 (diagram below) |
Playing
four holes away from an opposing peg is frequently a strong move
to make, particularly when you have support from a nearby peg, as
you do here.
Question
1: Suppose Black now plays 4.F6*
What
is the best response White can make? Click
here for the answer
Next
I
emphatically welcome all questions, both general and specific, as
well as any comments you may care to send me! My email is: twixt@cstone.net
-
David
J. Bush
