How to Correctly Play the Opening Rolls

A game of backgammon usually starts with both players taking one die each and rolling to know who goes first. This is a peculiar situation in the game since the very same results for that roll is to be used by the player who gets to make moves first. It is peculiar because the player who makes the first move will never start off with doubles.

The number of options available to players using the opening roll are reduced. Taking out the doubles in the opening roll you will only be left with 15 possible combinations to choose from. Since both the starting position and the 15 possible combinations are constant the opening roll is a well-analyzed field of study and the correct plays for each combination have been recommended.

The following are the recommended plays for each of the 15 possible combinations for the opening roll in backgammon. You'll also notice that at times there is more than one recommended play, which means you get to choose which one you fancy the most depending on your style.

2-1 Opening roll: The recommended play for this roll is to do 13/11 and 24/23.

3-1 Opening roll: This has been deemed as one of the best opening rolls you can get. The correct recommended play is 8/5 and 6/5. This opening immediately lets you secure the five-point.

4-1 Opening roll: The correct recommended play is 13/9 and 24/23.

5-1 Opening roll: The correct recommended play is 13/8 and 24/23. Your blot on the eight-point is relatively safe.

6-1 Opening roll: This opening allows you to build a small prime by taking control of a critically important position on the backgammon board. The correct recommended play is 13/7 and 8/7.

3-2 Opening: You'll have a couple of options to choose from with this backgammon opening. Your first one is 24/21 and 13/11 which is safer. Your second one is 13/10 13/11 which takes a few risks.

4-2 Opening: The correct recommended play is 8/4 and 6/4.

5-2 Opening roll: The correct recommended play is 13/8 and 24/22.

6-2 Opening: The correct recommended play is 24/18 and 13/11.

4-3 Opening: You also have two options with this backgammon opening. They are first 13/9 and 24/24 and second 24/20 and 13/10.

5-3 Opening roll: The correct recommended play is 8/3 and 6/3.

6-3 Opening: The correct recommended play is 24/18 and 13/10.

5-4 Opening: The correct recommended play is 13/8 and 24/20.

6-4 Opening roll: Your two options for this backgammon opening are 24/14 or 8/2 and 6/2.

6-5 Opening: The correct recommended play is 4/13.

Take time to commit the plays for the opening rolls to memory. Every player should make use of these as part of their backgammon strategy.