Last updated on September 17, 2023
In a previous Deluxe Backgammon post, we went into detail about the best opening moves in backgammon. This is a far simpler guide for backgammon beginners that will allow you to immediately begin playing with the best opening moves, without going into extreme detail. For the most part, these opening moves have been confirmed as the best by XG Mobile Backgammon rollouts. If you follow these backgammon opening moves it is statistically proven that you will win more games.
To start the game, each player throws a single die. This determines both the player to go first and the numbers to be played. If equal numbers come up, then both players roll again until they roll different numbers. The player throwing the higher number now moves their checkers according to the numbers shown on both dice. Because we exclude doubles from the opening roll there are fifteen possible opening dice rolls. Click on the heading for each roll for a more detailed description.
2 – 1
Split your back checkers (24/23) and bring one checker down (13/11). Alternatively, if you wish to gamble, slotting your 5-point (6/5) and bringing one down (13/11) is another option.
3 – 1
This is the best opening roll. You should secure your 5-point (8/5), (6/5). Do not consider any other moves for this roll.
3 – 2
Split your back checkers 3 (24/21) and bring a checker down from the midpoint (13/11).
4 – 1
Split the back checkers (24/23) and bring one checker down from the midpoint (13/9). Alternatively, if you wish to gamble, slotting your 5-point (6/5) and bringing one down (13/9) is another option.
4 – 2
The best move is to secure your 4-point (8/4, 6/4).
4 – 3
There are a number of reasonable rolls to consider for a 4-3, however, we will just look at the best based on the results of a computerised rollout. The (24/21,13/9) splits the back checkers and brings down a builder that can be used to form points further along the board on subsequent rolls.
5 – 1
Split the back checkers (24/23) and bring one checker down from the midpoint (13/8). Alternatively, if you wish to gamble, slotting your 5-point (6/5) and bringing one down (13/8) is another option.
5 – 2
The (24/22, 13/8) move has the best results based on the computerised rollout. It splits the back pair, leaving them relatively unlikely to be hit, but in position to form an advanced anchor.
5 – 3
The best move is to secure your 3-point (8/3, 6/3).
5 – 4
The best option for this roll, based on rollouts, is (24-20, 13-8). It’s a balanced play, creating opportunities on both sides of the board.
6 – 1
The third best opening roll. The only option worth considering is to secure your bar point (13/7, 8/7).
6 – 2
The (24-18, 13-11) is by far the most popular move for this roll. This is because it advances checkers on both sides of the board.
6 – 3
The (24-18, 13-10) is by far the most popular move for this roll. This is because it advances checkers on both sides of the board.
6 – 4
Computerised rollouts confirm that the best move is to make the 24/14 running play.
6 – 5
Rollouts confirm that the best move is to run one of your back checkers to the midpoint (24/18, 18/13). This move is known as the Lovers Leap.
Opening moves PDF
Here is a copy of this document in PDF. If you use double-sided printing it will fit on a single A5 sheet.
Related content
Read about the general principles for replying to these opening moves.
The 5 best opening rolls in backgammon.
Backgammon, the first player advantage.
Thanks, this is really helpful. I am new to backgammon, it would be great if there was a PDF version of the opening moves available for download? It would be useful to print out a copy and keep it in my backgammon set.
Hi Bill,
I have added a PDF version of the Deluxe Backgammon, opening moves, a simple list to the post for download. I hope this helps, just don’t use it during play! There are also PDF versions of the Backgammon Cheat Sheet and the Simple backgammon rules posts available for download. Please let me know if there are any other posts where you would like a PDF version. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Jason.
Am I missing something in not seeing best doubles in the backgammon opening moves?
Hi Cindi, doubles are not an option on the opening moves. At the start of a backgammon game, both players roll a single die and the player with the highest number plays first using both of the rolls. If both players roll the same number they roll again. Here is a post on How to move the checkers. Additionally, here are some explanations of the rules, simple and detailed. It is a simple game to learn, but it can take a lifetime to master, fortunately, it is enjoyable at all levels of play. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Jason
Thanks for the backgammon opening moves pdf.
Exactly what I needed, a simple list of backgammon opening moves without paragraphs of explanation. I have just started playing backgammon and this is a big help, thanks.
How is 3-1 considered better than 6-1 that makes no sense to me, blocking potential 6-5,6-6 shots, and setting up a wall seems so much better than the 4?
Hi Dom, the 3-1 opening is widely considered the best opening roll in backgammon as it captures the 5-point, the most important point on the board. The 5-point is important because it is a home board point which blocks your opponent if they are re-entering from the bar. The 6-1 allows you to secure the bar-point and prevents your opponent from from escaping with 6-5 or 6-6, but it doesn’t prevent re-entry from the bar, therefore the 3-1 is a slightly better roll. The difference is not great, just a couple of percentage points. If you read the Backgammon, the first player advantage post, there is a table that shows the winning percentage of each opening roll as calculated by XG Mobile Backgammon. The 3-1 has a 55.2% winning chance, the 6-1 is 53.5%. I hope this helps, Jason