Opening roll 6-2: split and build

Play 24/18 13/11: split to the bar point and bring a builder to the 11-point.

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6-2 played 24/18 13/11. Your checkers are the light ones, moving toward your home board in the bottom right.
Roll6 and 2 Best play24/18 13/11 Rank#11 of 15 opening rolls Pip count afterYou 159, opponent 167

Why 24/18 13/11

Like 6-3, 6-2 splits and builds: 24/18 and 13/11. The checker on 11 aims at your 5-point area and your bar point.

The older play 13/5 slots your 5-point, hoping to cover it next turn. It risks being hit by many rolls and is a little weaker.

Alternatives

13/5

Slots the 5-point from the midpoint. Bold.

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The alternative 13/5.

What to aim for next

  • Builders on 11, 8 and 6 give you many ways to make your 5-point.

Not sure about the notation? Here is how to read moves like 24/18 13/11. 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 6-2 in backgammon?

24/18 13/11. Play 24/18 13/11: split to the bar point and bring a builder to the 11-point.

Are there other good ways to play an opening 6-2?

13/5: Slots the 5-point from the midpoint. Bold.

Can 6-2 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.

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