Backgammon Opening Moves: The Best First Move for Every Roll
Every game starts from the same position – which is why the best replies are well known. Memorise them and you start every game with a small edge.
What matters
The aim of the opening is to make important points – above all your 5-point, your 4-point and your 7-point (bar point) – and to keep your two back checkers flexible. Point numbers are always counted from your side: point 24 at the back, point 1 at the front. “13/8” means a checker moves from point 13 to point 8.
The best moves at a glance
| Roll | Recommended move | Idea |
|---|---|---|
| 3-1 | 8/5, 6/5 | Makes the valuable 5-point – the best opening roll |
| 4-2 | 8/4, 6/4 | Makes the 4-point |
| 6-1 | 13/7, 8/7 | Makes the bar point (7) |
| 5-3 | 8/3, 6/3 | Makes the 3-point |
| 6-5 | 24/13 | A back checker runs to the midpoint (“lover’s leap”) |
| 6-4 | 24/14 or 8/2, 6/2 | Run, or make a deep point |
| 6-3 | 24/18, 13/10 | Split the back checkers, bring builders |
| 6-2 | 24/18, 13/11 | As with 6-3 |
| 5-4 | 24/20, 13/8 | Flexible and safe |
| 5-2 | 13/8, 13/11 | Bring checkers into play |
| 5-1 | 13/8, 24/23 | A safe start |
| 4-3 | 13/9, 13/10 | Builders for your home board |
| 4-1 | 24/23, 13/9 | Development with little risk |
| 3-2 | 24/21, 13/11 | Balanced |
| 2-1 | 13/11, 6/5 | Bold: slots the 5-point |
What about doubles?
There are no doubles on the very first move, because both players must roll different numbers. If you roll one on your second turn, these moves are proven: 6-6: 24/18(2) 13/7(2); 5-5: 13/3(2); 4-4: 24/20(2) 13/9(2); 3-3: 8/5(2) 6/3(2); 2-2: 13/11(2) 6/4(2); 1-1: 8/7(2) 6/5(2).
What comes after the opening is covered in our strategy tips. Need a refresher on the basics? See how to play backgammon.
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