Difference between revisions of "Tom's move"

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(Clarify connection to _bottom_ through e5; fix apparent piece typos)
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N:on He5 Vg3</hex>
 
N:on He5 Vg3</hex>
  
Now Red´s two pieces at g6 and h5 are [[Connection|connected]] to the [[bottom edge]] via [[edge template IV2b]], and his [[ladder]] can connect to those [[piece]]s in [[Multiple threats|two different ways]], by playing in either of the starred [[Hex (board element)|cells]]. Red is therefore safely connected to the bottom edge.
+
Now Red´s two pieces at g3 and f4 are [[Connection|connected]] to the [[bottom edge]] via [[edge template IV2b]], and his [[ladder]] can thus connect to the bottom edge in [[Multiple threats|two different ways]], by playing in either of the starred [[Hex (board element)|cells]].  
  
 
[[category:ladder]]
 
[[category:ladder]]
 
[[category:Advanced Strategy]]
 
[[category:Advanced Strategy]]

Revision as of 20:38, 16 September 2009

Introduction

Tom's move is a trick that enable a player to breakthrough a second ladder. Its name originates from player Tom239 who devised it during a game (against dj11, on 15 December 2002) on Playsite. This was not its first use ever, just how it came to be known among hex players on Playsite.

Minimal example

In this diagram Red wants to connect to the bottom edge.

abcdefghi123456

It looks impossible to use the single stone on the fourth row as a ladder escape. How can it be done? By using Tom's move:

He pushes the ladder until he is right underneath it, and then he plays at 5.

abcdefghi12345651324

Now the situation is completely identical to that in the Double ladder on 2nd line Escape. Blue's natural defense is to play at (+).

abcdefghi12345621

Now Red´s two pieces at g3 and f4 are connected to the bottom edge via edge template IV2b, and his ladder can thus connect to the bottom edge in two different ways, by playing in either of the starred cells.