on any number. The following table
gives the odds against being hit on any number within the reach of one or
two dice: -

It is 25 to 11, or about 9 to 4, against being hit on 1
" 24 " 12, or 2 " 1, " 2
" 22 " 14, or about 3 " 2, " 3
" 21 " 15, or 7 " 5, " 4
" 21 " 15, " 7 " 5, " 5
" 19 " 17, " 9-1/2 " 8-1/2, " 6
" 30 " 6, " 5 " 1, " 7
" 30 " 6, " 5 " 1, " 8
" 31 " 5, or about 6 " 1, " 9
" 33 " 3, or 11 " 1, " 10
" 34 " 2, " 17 " 1, " 11
" 33 " 3, " 11 " 1, " 12

The table shows that if a blot must be left within the reach of one die,
the nearer it is left to the adversary's man the less probability there is
of its being hit. Also, that it is long odds against being hit on a blot
which is only to be reached with double dice, and that, in that case (on
any number from 7 to 11), the farther off the blot is, the less chance
there is of its being hit.

The table assumes that the board is open for every possible throw. If part
of the throw is blocked by an intervening point being held by adverse men,
the chance of being hit is less.

Two principles, then, have to be considered in moving the men:-- (1) To
make points where there is the best chance of obstructing the opponent. (2)
When obliged to leave blots, to choose the position in which they are least
likely to be hit.

The best points to secure are the five-point in your own inner table and
the five-point in your adversary's inner table. The next best is your own
bar-point; and the next best the four in your own inner table.

The best move for some throws at the commencement of a game is as
follows:--Aces (the best of all throws), move two on your bar-point and two
on your five-point. This throw is often given to inferior players by way of
odds.

Ace, trey: make the five-point in your inner table.

Ace, six: make your bar-point.

Deuces: move two on the four-point in your inner table, and two on the
trey-point in your opponent's inner table.

Deuce, four: make the four-point in your own table.

Threes: play two on the five-point in your inner table, and two on the
four-point of your adversary's inner table, or ma