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Backgammon Opening Moves

Here are important tips for opening moves that can give you a far better chance of winning a backgammon game.

You probably already know that in order to start a backgammon game each player rolls a die, and the higher roller will use the dice as they lie to make their first move.

There are, in fact, only 15 such different possible combinations of opening dice rolls.

Over the years, many backgammon experts have studied the different possibilities for the opening moves in backgammon. Today, after using not only personal skill but also computer programs, it is known what the best opening move is for every one of the fifteen possible combinations of the dice. This has been proven statistically time and time again.

The meaning of this is very simple: if you put some effort into memorizing the best moves for each possible combination of opening dice rolls, you have a fairly better chance of winning your backgammon games. So, it is worthwhile taking some time to learn these moves, to improve your skills, and thus your chances of winning. After all, this is what skilled games, like backgammon, are about.

Here are the recommended opening moves for each possible combination of the dice rolls:

A. Dice Combination 6/5

The opening of six and five allows you to make one of the simplest moves. Just move all the way across with a back checker (24/13).

B. Dice Combination 6/4

You can choose to play one of three different alternatives with an opening of six and four. Each of these possibilities has advantages and disadvantages depending on the scenario at hand.

Make your 2-point (8/2) and (6/2).

This move will often earn the most gammons of the three opening alternatives.

Move all the across with a back checker to your 14-point(24/14).

This move is suitable for single game variations with no value to gammons or backgammons.

Run a back checker to the opponent's bar-point (24/18) to bring a checker down from your mid-point (13/9).

This move is considered aggressive and risky but also potentially rewarding.

C. Dice Combination 6/3

An opening of six and three allows you to choose between two possible moves:

Move a checker from your 24-point to your 15-point.

This move is suitable for new players, looking for safe plays and avoiding risks.

Move a checker to you're the opponent's bar-point to bring a checker down from your mid-point(24/18) and (13/10).

This move is relatively dangerous. However, it can be more effective.

D. Dice Combination 6/2

A combination of six and two allows you again two different playing options:

Move to the 16-point

This option is not particularly productive, although this is what most players will choose to do. It is suitable for new players, since it is a safe choice.

Move to the bar to bring a checker down from your mid-point (24/18) and 13/11).

In fact, it is better to use this option.

E. Dice Combination 6/1

The combination of six and one, again, calls for a very simple move. Just go ahead and make your bar-point(13/7) and (8/7).

F. Dice Combination 5/4

Move a back checker up (24/20) while you bring a checker down (13/8)

This move is an attempt to make an advanced anchor in your opponent's board, and to help you start making blocking points in your own board.

Bring two checkers down from your mid-point (13/8) and (13/9).

This move is appropriate when you want a gammon.

G. Dice Combination 5/3

Thebest move for this option is basically to make three points (8/3) and (6/3).

H. Dice Combination 5/2

Again you can choose between two options:

Either move a back checker up two spaces (24/22) while you bring one down (13/8)

This move keeps the mid-point rather safe from exposure. It also leaves attackers for later in the game.

Or bring down two checkers (13/8, 13/11)

This is in effect an aggressive play. If you choose this move you could win more gammons than the other variation. However, this move could be somewhat risky.

I. Dice Combination 5/1

Choose between two possible moves, depending on your condition in a specific game:

Split the back checker and bring one checker down (24/23) and (13/8).

This move is a rather regular choice.

Bring on checker down and slot your 5-point (13/8) and (6/5)

This move is advised when you are behind in a match.

J. Dice Combination 4/3

There are three possible moves for an opening dice combination of four and three. You can choose the alternative that is most suitable to your style, or to the particular match score.

Move up three off your back point (24/21) and bring the four down from the mid-point (13/9)

This move is agreed upon by most experts.

Another option is to move your checker down (13/9) plus (24/21).

This alternative might help you win single games. It is a recommended move when there is no need for gammons or backgammons.

Drop two checkers down (13/9) and (13/10)

The main benefit of this variation is that if you will not be hit in return, almost any roll you throw next will be a good one to start a prime, due to your checker distribution. Yet, this is an early as well as quite risky exposure of your mid-point.

K. Dice Combination 4/2

This is one of the most obvious openers. The best move for this combination is no other than to make your four points (8/4) and (6/4).

L. Dice Combination 4/1

Either

Split the back checker (24/23) and bring a checker down (13/9).

Or,

Bring one checker down and slot your 5 point (13/9) and (6/5).

This is suitable when gammons are very important.

M. Dice Combination 3/2

An opening of three and two calls for one of the following moves:

A rather aggressive move of (13/10) and (13/11), which is suitable mostly for experts.
Move up three off your back point (24/21) and bring the four down from the mid-point (13/11).

This move is the more conventional choice.

N. Dice Combination 3/1

Most recommended is to make five points when an opening combination of three and two is available. (8/5) and (6/5). This is, in fact, an excellent opening roll.

O. Dice Combination 2/1

A dice combination of two and one opens two play options as well.

Split your back checkers (24-23) and bring one down (13-11).

This is the safer alternative.

Slot your home board five point(13/11) and (6/5).

This option can be very rewarding, if you wish to gamble.

Have lots of fun, and good luck!