When to Up Anchor?

Knowing when to leave an anchor is crucial, and tough to get right. Keeping a low anchor means you’re in the game to the end - as long as you don’t crunch your board as a result. High anchors provide security and offensive power, and are easier to leave when the time is right. But when is that time?

In this position you’re well ahead in the race, and your opponent’s board is weak and littered with blots. Perfect time to get moving and bring a back checker towards home, right?

Wrong. It’s a huge blunder (and the sort of mistake I make all too often) to leave the anchor now. It gives White too many useful next rolls - lots of small rolls hit and cover - without solving the main weakness on your side of the board. Robertie’s useful maxim in these situations is ‘hold your anchor until you must leave’, and play constructively elsewhere. Here you have a clear constructive move elsewhere - starting your 3 point to strengthen your board and increase the safety of your bear-in. 10/3 is the only correct move.