From: Deeejloy@aol.com
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 07:22:22 EST
Subject: on OUT and UT
Message-id: <4f43058a.34def500@aol.com>

To date: agreed with all plays but JADES and CULLIONS. IMHO, JEANS or JANES were superior as was COCOUNSEL.

I love this new position! For this rack I believe that the two best are OUT and UT, with OUT getting my vote. Other plays don't get to the point quick enough, including UNLIT. The TRAIN leave gives you your best equity for a bingo and you need it badly. While there aren't zillions of spots, what's there is enough to earn the fish.

Regarding which fish: UT simply gives away too much to opponent. While it increase our bingo chances, it gives away unnecesary points and keeps the board way-open for oppo. "to do as he pleases", while OUT blocks nicely. Even at the cost of blocking ourselves, we must remember that our bingoing won't win if opponent gets too far ahead. OUT keeps us a little closer. And if opponent doesn't bingo this turn, we don't NEED to (tho I recognize we'll probably be closer to a bingo down next time--but it's still very early)--we can just nurture our rack one more turn. IMHO this is a great teaching position. Which takes precedence, offense vs. defense. OUT does some of both and does both well.

Joe