Backgammon opening moves
The first roll of a backgammon game has been studied more than any other position. Here is how to play all 15 opening rolls, ranked from best to worst.
All 15 opening rolls
Moves are written from/to with your own point numbers (how notation works). The rank is how good the roll is for the player who gets it.
| Roll | Best play | Idea | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-1 | 8/5 6/5 | Make the 5-point | #1 |
| 4-2 | 8/4 6/4 | Make the 4-point | #2 |
| 6-1 | 13/7 8/7 | Make the bar point | #3 |
| 5-3 | 8/3 6/3 | Make the 3-point | #4 |
| 6-5 | 24/13 | Lover's leap | #5 |
| 6-4 | 24/18 13/9 | Split and build, run, or make the 2-point | #6 |
| 3-2 | 24/21 13/11 | Split and build, or two builders | #7 |
| 4-3 | 24/20 13/10 | Split and build, or two builders | #8 |
| 6-3 | 24/18 13/10 | Split and build | #9 |
| 5-4 | 24/20 13/8 | Split, or play safe from the midpoint | #10 |
| 6-2 | 24/18 13/11 | Split and build | #11 |
| 5-2 | 13/8 13/11 | Two builders down | #12 |
| 5-1 | 13/8 24/23 | Down and split | #13 |
| 4-1 | 24/23 13/9 | Builder and split | #14 |
| 2-1 | 13/11 24/23 | Builder and split, or slot | #15 |
Opening principles
- Make a point if the roll allows it. 3-1, 4-2, 6-1 and 5-3 make a new point in front of your opponent's back checkers.
- The 5-point first. Your 5-point is the most valuable point, then the 4-point and the bar point (7).
- Otherwise split or build. Move a back checker up to fight for an anchor, or bring builders down from the midpoint to make points next turn.
- Run with 6-5. The lover's leap, 24/13, escapes a back checker in one move.
- Blots are cheap early. Being hit on the first turns costs a few pips, not the game.
Every opening, drawn
Questions
What is the best opening roll in backgammon?
3-1, played 8/5 6/5 to make your 5-point. 4-2 (making the 4-point) and 6-1 (making the bar point) are next.
Why can't you open with doubles?
Each player rolls one die to start, and the higher number moves first using both dice. If the dice match, both players roll again, so the opening roll is never a double.
Should I split my back checkers or bring builders down?
With rolls like 4-3, 3-2 and 5-4 both styles are close in value. Splitting fights for an anchor in your opponent's board; bringing builders down aims to make points in yours.
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