Backgammon opening moves

Over the years many backgammon experts have come to agree that there are some opening moves that are always right to make. With this guide, you can learn the perfect moves for each game.

The Most Important Opening Moves

Backgammon is the oldest known game in the history of board games. Throughout history many experts have analyzed 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. Practice and play for real money at our suggested online backgammon site.

Tom Dalton, Editorial Staff

November 10, 2005