Backgammon opening moves.

An opening roll should improve more than one part of the position whenever possible. The strongest plays usually make a valuable point, activate the back checkers, create builders, or escape a checker before the opponent builds a prime.

Four opening priorities

1. Make key points. Your 5-point is a powerful blocking and landing point. The bar point and inner-board points can also anchor a prime.
2. Split the back checkers. A split challenges the opponent's outfield and seeks an advanced anchor, but exposes a checker to attack.
3. Create builders. Bringing a midpoint checker down gives you material for making points on the next roll.
4. Escape when the roll allows it. Large numbers can free a back checker before the opponent closes the route.

Useful reference plays

These common money-game references are anchors for study, not commands for every match score. Move notation is written from the player's point of view.

• 3-1: 8/5 6/5. Make the 5-point.
• 4-2: 8/4 6/4. Make the 4-point.
• 5-3: 8/3 6/3. Make the 3-point.
• 6-1: 13/7 8/7. Make the bar point.
• 6-5: 24/13. Run one back checker to the midpoint.
• 2-1: 13/11 24/23. Add a builder and split.

Other non-point-making rolls frequently combine a back-checker split or run with a midpoint builder. The exact preference can change with match score and the value of gammons.

Why point-making rolls stand out

Making a point creates an asset that cannot be hit. The 5-point controls important entry and escape numbers, strengthens attacks, and helps build a connected prime. An opening builder or split has potential; a made point already changes what the opponent can do.

Do not memorize without context

Opening references are useful because the board begins identically, but backgammon is not a recital. At gammon-go you may prefer more attacking and split plays; at gammon-save you may value safety and racing. The correct move can also depend on whether the cube is live and what each point means to the match.

The practical study method is to learn the purpose behind each family of plays, then review exceptions as positions rather than trying to memorize an isolated table.