Opening roll 4-2: make the 4-point
Play 8/4 6/4 to make your 4-point, the second-best opening.
Why 8/4 6/4
4-2 makes your 4-point with 8/4 6/4. Two consecutive points in your home board (the 6 and the 4 with a gap at 5) already make it harder for your opponent to escape and to enter after being hit.
The play costs nothing: no blots are left and both the 6 and 8-points remain made.
What to aim for next
- The gap on the 5-point is your next target: checkers on the 6, 8 and midpoint all aim at it.
- Opponents often split their back checkers in reply; look for a chance to attack a blot on your 5-point.
Not sure about the notation? Here is how to read moves like 8/4 6/4. Practise the opening against the computer: play a game and turn on hints to compare your moves.
Questions
What is the best opening move for 4-2 in backgammon?
8/4 6/4. Play 8/4 6/4 to make your 4-point, the second-best opening.
Can 4-2 be rolled as a reply instead of an opening?
Yes. As a reply the best play depends on how your opponent opened, but the opening play is usually a sound starting point.
Ready to roll? Play the computer or a friend, free in your browser.
Play backgammon