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Playing the Three: Build or Split?
 In the above matrix, the two diagrams on the left side (1A, 1C) have the 3-down (building) in common. The two diagrams on the right (1B, 1D) have the 3-up (splitting) in common. |
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Let us now isolate and compare these two different threes:
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What are the liabilities of each of these threes?
In diagram 1E (left), where 3-down is played, Red allows White to hit outside with 4 numbers out of 36. These numbers are 63 54 (we are not counting 33 because it is just as good for White not to hit with that number).
In diagram 1F (right), where 3-up is played, Red allows White to point on his blot with 5 numbers (42 44 22 11).
Getting hit outside (in 1E) costs Red 11 more pips, but getting pointed on inside (in 1F) risks 3 more painful fanning numbers (64 44). Let's call these liabilities a wash.
What are the assets of each of these threes?
In 1E, Red's 10pt builder gives him 10 new numbers to make the 7pt, 5pt or 4pt (63 53 51 64 62), and makes it more dangerous for White to split to any of those three points. Additionally, Red's 43 32 21 can make his 10pt next turn.
In 1F, Red's 21pt checker threatens to run to safety with 62, or to make a good anchor (18pt, 20pt or 21pt) with 63 41 53 43 32 21. Furthermore, it hinders White from slotting, or bringing down a builder to the 10pt or 9pt.
On balance, these assets seem to favor coming up (1F). However, there are two final minor points not yet mentioned:
- Coming up gives White more hitting options to gain a tempo. Hitting puts a lot of pips at risk for White, but rates to take the pressure off her elsewhere and impede Red's development.
- Doublets tend to play better if the two back checkers are on the same point. This is always a hidden drawback of splitting. In this case, it is mostly Red's 66 that will be affected, and to a lesser degree his 44.
- These two minor factors restore balance in the comparison. So, as an isolated number, we rate the 3 being played up or down as roughly equal.
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