Opening roll 3-1: make the 5-point

Play 8/5 6/5 and make your 5-point, the most valuable point on the board.

Why 8/5 6/5

3-1 is the best opening roll in backgammon, because it makes your 5-point at once. The 5-point (the "golden point") sits in the middle of your home board and blocks your opponent's back checkers from escaping with 5s and from landing comfortably in your board.

With the 5-point and the 6-point made, you already have two home board points in a row: the start of a prime. Any checker your opponent leaves exposed later can be attacked with a stronger board behind you.

There is no serious alternative. Every strong player and every bot plays 8/5 6/5.

What to aim for next

• Your 8-point now has two checkers and your 6-point four: both stay safe.
• Next, aim for the 4-point or the bar point to extend the block.

Not sure about the notation? Here is how to read moves like 8/5 6/5. Practise the opening against the computer: play a game and turn on hints to compare your moves.

Questions

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