Many backgammon games follow a definable thread from beginning to end. The game plays out more or less as both sides expect, the strategic themes are well understood, and what is required from the players is mostly accuracy of technique. (Not that this is always so easy.)

Sometimes, however, something quite different happens. A game appears to be following a certain course for awhile, then a tactical possibility arises which allows one of the players to wrench the game out of its obvious direction and send it another, and more favorable, way.

These opportunities are, by definition, hard to spot. They can go by quickly, unnoticed by either the players or spectators. Or a player may notice something and think to himself “Gee, I could try that move. It’s an idea, but – could it really be right? Don’t know. Well, the clock is running, let’s move on. It’s probably a crazy idea anyway.” And the opportunity slips by.

Take a look at this position from the consolation semi-finals of the recent Party Gammon Millions tournament. Lars Trabolt is Black, Kent Goulding is White.