Backgammon

Have you had a relaxing time over the start of the festive season? I trust that you will still find time and energy to enter our Christmas quiz.

The First Prize is a copy of Backgammon by Paul Magiel.

There are two runners-up prizes of Backgammon for Winners by twice world champion Bill Robertie.

All you have to do is answer the following three questions. Entries should be postmarked no later than 5 January 1998 and should be addressed to: Backgammon Competition, Saturday Games, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.

Question 1: Black on roll:

a) Should Black redouble?

b) If redoubled, should White take or drop?

Question 2:

Black to play 42. Should he play:

(a) 19/13;

(b) 21/15;

(c) 7/5*/1*; (d) 7/5*, 13/9

Question 3

Black to play 54.

Should he play:

a) 13/4

b) 13/8, 13/9

c) 8/3, 8/4