Opening roll 5-3: make the 3-point
Play 8/3 6/3 to make your 3-point.
Roll5 and 3 Best play8/3 6/3 Rank#4 of 15 opening rolls Pip count afterYou 159, opponent 167
Why 8/3 6/3
5-3 makes your 3-point with 8/3 6/3. The 3-point is deeper than ideal, but a made home board point is worth more than any other way of playing the roll: it blocks your opponent's 3s from entering if you hit a checker later.
Splitting or bringing builders down is clearly weaker according to bot analysis.
What to aim for next
- Next, try to make the 5 or 4-point so your board grows forward, not deeper.
Not sure about the notation? Here is how to read moves like 8/3 6/3. 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 5-3 in backgammon?
8/3 6/3. Play 8/3 6/3 to make your 3-point.
Can 5-3 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.
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Play backgammonKeep learning
How to playThe complete rules, step by step, with diagrams.StrategyKey points, the five game plans, and when to take risks.Opening movesThe best play for all 15 opening rolls.Doubling cubeDoubling, taking, dropping and the 25% rule.Pip countingCount the race fast and know who is ahead.Bearing offRules and technique for the end of the game.