Cluster Counting | Key Points

Question 1

Two key points most often used

Answer 1

The two key points most often used are the 5-point and the 20-point (opponent’s 5-point). The 10-, 13- and 15-points are also quite valuable.

Answer 2

This position shows two examples of counting a cluster of eight checkers all at once as if they were eight 5’s = 40.

Black = 40. White = 40.

Question 3

The 20-point (opponent’s 5-point) is the most useful key point. All checkers in your opponent’s home board should be counted as 20 plus the pips required to get to the 20-point.

Answer 3

Black’s count is 108 which can be visualized as five 20’s + 4 (two each from the 22-point to the 20-point) + 4 (one from 24-point to 20 point).

White’s count is 89, visualized as four 20’s + 4 + 5 (for the checker on the bar).

Black = 108. White = 89.