Opening

21 Distinct Opening Rolls

There are 21 distinct opening rolls, but certain combinations are better suited to one of these objectives.

For example, 3-1, 6-1 or 4-2 allow you to close the 5-, 7- or 4-points respectively, with 1-1 and 6-6 allowing similar moves (the latter also lets you close the 18-point).

Alternatively, 5 - allows you to move one checker to safety on the 13-point and similar rolls (6-4, 6-3, 6-2) allow you to get a piece to comparative safety on the 14, 15 and 16-points.

The Next Group of Rolls

The next group of rolls (5-4, 5-3, 5-2, 4-3, 3-2) don't fit so perfectly and therefore the best option is to create what are called "builders" in your safe territory from the 8-11 points.

This enables future capture of points by moving two checkers off the 13-point accordingly. A similar move can be made with 5-1, 4-1 and 2-1, but, because the 12-point is closed, you should use the single to split your back men.

Of the remaining rolls, 4-4 and 2-2 should be used to close the 20-point for even numbers (4-4 also closed the 9 point), with 5-5 closing the 3-point and 3-3 closing the 5- and 21-points.

The Most Important Opening Moves

Backgammon is the oldest known game in the history of board games. Throughout history many experts have analysed each possible move, and especially the moves you might have on your opening roll. As a result there are certain moves in backgammon that are considered to be universally right. Of course this comes as a great aid to the novice backgammon players. Follow these basic opening moves and you'll be certain to get a starting advantage over other players.

A 3-1 roll is one of the best opening moves as it will allow you to close your 5 point. 6-1 will close the 7 point and a 4-2 will close the 4 point.

If you open with 5-4, 5-3, 5-2, 4-3 or 3-2 you should move two pieces from your midpoint, although a 2-3, 4-5 and 4-3 can also be used to slot one of the opponent's points and move one piece from the midpoint.

A 5-4 can also be played as moving one of the back pieces nine points ahead.

6-5, 6-4, 6-3 and 6-2 should usually move one of the back pieces using both dice although you can also move one piece from the back to your opponent's 7 point and move another piece from the midpoint. Many experts disagree on what you should do with the 6-2 but many would prefer to move one piece from the midpoint and slot the 5 point.

2-1, 4-1 and 5-1 - you can use this opening move to split your back pieces or slot the 5 point and move one piece from the midpoint with the other number.

Follow these easy opening moves and you are bound to get a head start on your opponent.

Opening Move Replies

To reply on backgammon opening moves correctly, you need to learn about the ability to evaluate your opponent and analyse the backgammon board.

There are 15 possible opening rolls to reply to, because during the starting rolls a player cannot roll doubles. As a reply, there are 21 possible replies to each of the rolls, and an advanced player knows exactly how to correlate each reply to the right backgammon opening moves.

A Non Double Reply to Opening Moves

5-3, 4-2, 6-1, 3-1 : With any of these rolls you play the same way as the backgammon opening moves would, meaning you move checkers that have a one point gap and make a new row in one of the points. For example, with the 3-1, you make the five point by moving your 8 point and your 6 point. The exception to this backgammon reply is if you can hit your opponent on the 9,10, or 11 point.

6-4, 6-5 : With this roll you should use your backgammon reply to advance your checkers in your opponents homeboard, unless you can hit in your homeboard with 6-4.

6-3, 6-2 : Usually the 18 and the 10/11 points are preferred as replies, but if you can hit, then you should certainly hit! You can also move to the 15/16 point.

5-4 : Here you should hit your opponent's side, if his backgammon opening moves allow it. With this move you can split your checkers as a backgammon reply, but make sure you this is don e on your opponent's side of the board.

4-3, 3-2 : With this move, hitting the four and five point is advised. You can also hit two checkers down.

5-1, 4-1 : With this roll you can split your upper checkers. You can also hit the 7/5 and 1 point if your opponent’s checkers are split.

2-1 : Here hitting is the preferred choice, as a reply to the backgammon opening move. Otherwise make the 11 and 23 points.

5-2 : Hitting is possible with this roll. You can also make the 8 and 22 points.

A Double Backgammon Reply

6-6 : With the double six it is advised to make both bar points as this has good blocking powers and is an important position on the board. If one of the 18th bar points is made in the backgammon opening moves by your opponent, you can also make the two point in your homeboard.

5-5 : If there is a backgammon opening move of a split, you should try and hit it with the double 5. Alternatively, you can grasp the 3rd points and thus start some sort of homeboard block.

4-4 : Here you use the same strategy and try to reply by hitting your opponent. Otherwise, you can make the nine point or 20 point.

3-3 : You should try and hit your opponent, on the five and three points, otherwise make the 21 and 10 points.

2-2 : If you can, hit your opponent in the 20 point and make the 4 point. Another option with this roll is to make your 4, 11 or 22 points. Whatever you do, don’t hit the 16 or bar point.

1-1 : The best reply for this backgammon opening move is making the 5 point and the 7 bar point. Otherwise, you can make the 4 point, or make the 5 point and make a split on the 22 point.

How to play the 2-1 Roll

Splitting your two checkers has a few advantages over other backgammon opening moves:

- This opening move gives you a better coverage of the board in case your opponent has an exposed checker.

- There is a better chance of securing a backgammon anchor in a preferred point.

- It is easier to advance at least one of your checkers forward.

- You are less at risk of being hit by your opponent, because then your backgammon opponent would be left exposed to a hit.

The Backgammon Opening move to the 11th backgammon point also has some advantages:

- After the first few opening moves, you have a better chance of hitting your opponent's checkers that are in your home board if he decides to split them, and also with a hit you can create a new two checker point.

- The only way that a checker is hit is if your opponent rolls an opening move of 6-4.