1. White plays 5.D6*

D6 is unstoppably connected to the top border row.

This is an important pattern to remember: If you (as White) have a linked peg on D6, or on one of the symmetric positions (U6, D19 or U19 on a full-size board), and the only opposing peg nearby is on F6 (or S6, F19 or S19), then as far as the local battle is concerned, you will be able to connect your peg to your border row.
Of course, the same pattern also works for Black.


C8 is unstoppably connected to the bottom here; if 6.D10 7.D11.
Other tries for White do not work:

A. If 5.B6* 6.C4 B. If 5.D5 6.D7*

This gives Black too much room.

Now if 7.C3 8.D2*.
Or if 7.E5* 8.D5* 9.B4 10.C3* 11.C2* 12.B5*.
Or if 7.D5* 8.E5* 9.F4* 10.D7**.

White had to link to C8 in order to avoid this tactical shot. Now Black has a double threat of either B8* or C9*.

Return to part 1 · Go to part 2

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


More Twixt:

Twixt Quarterboard Page 1
Twixt Quarterboard Page 2
Twixt Quarterboard Page 3
Twixt Quarterboard Page 4

Rules and Introduction
Basic Strategy
Handicapping
A Championship Game

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