Opening Rolls

The opening roll, more than any stage in backgammon, shows the significance of strategy, as well as of luck, in backgammon. The first move in the backgammon game is conducted by the dice: each player throws a single die, and the player who threw the highest outcome moves the checker according to the numbers appear on both dice. Each roll of dice bears only 15 different possibilities. Continue reading to find out about the best possible moves derived of each opening roll.

Opening Roll 2-1

Moving 13/11 and 24/23; being the safest possible option it is commonly used by backgammon beginners.

By moving 13/11 and 6/5, you can slot the 5-point in your inner board. This opening move enables you to start building a prime on your inner board at your next turn, providing you won't be hit.

Opening Roll 3-1

By going for the most popular option - 8/5 and 6/5 – you'll get full control over both the bar point and the 5-point at your inner board. As a result, making the 5-point a blocking and priming point on your next turn will be easy.

Opening Roll 4-1

13/9 and 24/23, also known as drop and split, is one potion, which allows you to get ready for your runners' escape during your upcoming turns.

13/9 and 6/5, on the other hand, allows you to build on your 9-point and at the same time slot your inner board's 5-point.

Opening Roll 5-1

You can move one checker 6/5; it usually proves to be advantages in getting an extra gammon.

Moving 13/8 and 24/23 is a less common possibility in real-life backgammon games but often chosen by bots. This movement has two potential uses: it can assist in making your runners an anchor. Additionally, it can help you split your runners for a quick escape.

Opening Roll 6-1

The best possible move is to move one checker 7 points (also referred to as making the bar point); it'll help you in building a prime as well as in blocking your opponent's runners' escape path.

Opening Roll 3-2

Moving 13/11 and 24/2, also known as split and drop, breaks the ground for making your runner as an anchor on your opponent's inner board, plus it can create a good blocking point for your opponent's runners.

Another optional move is 13/10 and 13/11, which serves not only as a proper blocking point, but can also have an effect on your opponent' motivation. Note that choosing this move in that given opening roll is recommended only if you are familiar with your opponent's level of expertise.

Opening Roll 4-2

The best, safest and most recommended way to deal with this roll is by sending two checkers to the 4-point on your inner board.

Opening Roll 5-2

Moving 3/8 and 24/22 is the most common choice, used by both beginners and advanced backgammon players. What it does is preparing the 22-point as an anchor on the opponent's home board, splits back your back checkers and eventually, provides you sufficient attacking checkers for the future.

Opening Roll 6-2

You have three possible movements to choose from:

Move a runner to the 16-point, which is what most backgammon beginners would do;
Move 24/18 to your opponent's bar point
Move 13/11, which has proved to be the most affective movement.

Opening Roll 4-3

Moving 24/20 and 13/10 is the favored choice of backgammon beginners. Its advantage is that it sets up an advanced anchor on your opponent's 5-point.

If you prefer to play an attacking game, you can choose one of these following moves:

Moving 13/9 and 13/10 to improve your attack and get prepare to build a prime (unless you'll be hit by your opponent).
Moving 13/9 and 24/21in order to create an anchor slot. This move is more recommended in single games.

Opening Roll 5-3

Moving 8/3 and 6/3 is the most recommended move when rolling 5-3, mainly because the 3-point offers a strong position for this roll.

Opening Roll 6-3

Moving 24/18 is the safest choice for this opening roll.

Moving 24/18 and 13/10 is a bold, yet affective play; it sets up a builder and protects your 18-point checker from potential hit.

Opening Roll 5-4

Moving your checkers 13/8 and 24/20 is the best choice to prepare for an attacking strategy. While the former helps you form a builder the latter establishes a solid ground for an attack on your opponent's both sides of the board.

Opening Roll 6-4

Making two separate moves – 6/2 and 8/6 – is the most preferable choice of online backgammon players.

Another choice is to move 24/18 and 13/9 is more aggressive and therefore more risky. On the upside, it can help form a builder and slot your opponent's bar point.

Opening Roll 6-5

Regarded as the best possible opening roll, the "Lover's Leap" is the most beneficial move of all, according to which you can safely move you checker from your 24-point to your midpoint.