Your first move in backgammon is like the opening line of a good story—it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should set the tone. Move timidly, and you’ll spend the rest of the game recovering. Move boldly, and you might just control the tempo from the jump.
I’ve seen more games lost in the first two turns than I care to admit. Not because the dice were cruel, but because the player didn’t know what to do with them. That’s the thing about opening moves: they’re deceptively simple. You roll the dice, you make a move, and you set the whole stage for what follows.
Today we’re going to dive into the best ways to begin a backgammon game—because fortune may favor the bold, but only when the bold have a plan.
If you’re not fully comfortable with the rules yet, check-out my How to Play Backgammon page first.
Why Opening Moves Matter in Backgammon
Backgammon is a game of tempo. In the first few moves, you’re not just advancing checkers—you’re claiming key territory, setting traps, and creating momentum. A strong opening can lead to:
- Faster development of your inner board
- Early anchors to protect against hits
- Primes that control movement
- Tactical pressure on your opponent’s blots
A weak opening? That’s like showing up to a sword fight with a salad fork.
The goal of your first move is to establish position, protection, and potential. It’s not about escaping right away—it’s about shaping the board in your favor.
Top Opening Rolls and What to Do with Them
Let’s break down the best-known opening rolls, and what I recommend doing with each.
🎲 3-1: Make Your 5-Point
Move: 8/5 and 6/5
This is the strongest opening move in backgammon. You’re building your most valuable inner board point on the first roll.
Why it works: The 5-point is strategic gold. It strengthens your board instantly and limits your opponent’s options for re-entry.
🎲 4-2: Make Your 4-Point
Move: 8/4 and 6/4
Nearly as strong as 3-1, this builds your 4-point early, giving you control of the inner board and setting you up to trap future blots.
Samuel’s Take: I like this move when I want to play quietly aggressive. It’s not flashy, but it builds pressure early.
🎲 6-1: Escape a Back Checker
Move: 24/18 and 13/12
This is all about development. You’re moving one of your back checkers forward and beginning to build your midpoint.
Why it works: Getting a checker out early makes it harder for your opponent to trap you later.
🎲 5-3: Make the 8-Point
Move: 13/8 and 13/10
The 8-point is a valuable blocking point. This move also develops checkers from your midpoint, which will be your staging area.
Samuel’s Take: It’s a builder move. You’re not winning yet, but you’re building the house brick by brick.
🎲 4-3: Split and Slot
Move: 24/20 and 13/10
This move splits your back checker and builds a point in your outer board—riskier, but it puts pressure on your opponent.
Tip: Only use this move if you’re comfortable playing with a little tension. There’s risk, but also high reward.
🎲 6-3: Split and Run
Move: 24/18 and 13/10
Here, you’re getting a checker out while building your outer board. It’s a balanced opening—aggressive, but not reckless.
🎲 5-4: Another Split-and-Builder
Move: 24/20 and 13/9
Similar to 4-3, but slightly stronger. The 9-point supports primes later, and you create tension in your opponent’s home board.
🎲 6-5: Run a Back Checker
Move: 24/13
This is the only opening roll where you run a full checker across the board. It’s a bold move, and it signals your intent to race.
Caution: If you get hit, you’re in trouble. But if you’re not? You’ve just stolen early tempo.
Responding to Your Opponent’s Opening
Backgammon isn’t a solo act. What you do next depends on how your opponent starts.
1. They Build a Point? Anchor Up.
If your opponent builds their 5-point early, consider making an anchor. This keeps your back checkers safe and prevents an early blitz.
2. They Leave a Blot? Don’t Always Hit.
If your opponent opens with a slot (leaving a single checker on a key point), hitting it might seem like a no-brainer. But ask yourself:
- Does it open your position to counterattack?
- Are you building in return?
Sometimes, it’s better to build than to brawl.
3. They Run? Prime Their Exit.
If they rush a back checker forward, aim to build a wall that blocks their escape. Use your 7- to 11-points to construct a prime.
Mistakes to Avoid in the First Few Turns
Even seasoned players slip up early in the game. Don’t be one of them. Here are common opening mistakes I see at every level:
❌ 1. Playing Too Safe
New players often avoid risk completely, refusing to split or slot. But safe moves usually give your opponent all the control.
Tip: Be strategic, not scared. Leaving a blot isn’t always bad—it’s how you create threats.
❌ 2. Ignoring the Inner Board
Some players move their back checkers but forget to build their home board. That’s like playing football without a defense.
Build your 5- and 4-points early—they’re your strongest weapons.
❌ 3. Running Without a Plan
If you start escaping your checkers without preparing your board, you’ll be easy to trap later.
Only run if you’re ahead in position or pip count—or if the opportunity is just too good to pass up.
❌ 4. Copying Without Thinking
Yes, there are “book” opening moves. But blindly following them without reading the board is a fast track to losing.
Every game is different. Use the guidelines—but learn to read the story your dice are telling.
Developing Your Own Opening Style
Backgammon is part math, part muscle memory, part intuition. As you play more games, you’ll start to develop your own style.
Are You a Builder?
You prefer structure, safe points, and strong inner boards. You slot early and build toward traps.
Are You a Brawler?
You hit blots, chase doubles, and throw your checkers forward like cavalry. It’s risky—but if you know when to pull back, it works.
Are You a Sneaker?
You quietly move checkers into position, avoid conflict, and strike only when it’s smart. You rely on reading the opponent more than dictating the game.
Samuel’s Advice: Try all three. Learn your strengths. Then play the kind of opening that suits you—not just the textbooks.
👉 Practice Opening Moves on Nextgammon (Free)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best opening move in backgammon?
3-1 is widely considered the strongest. It lets you make your 5-point on the first move, which is a huge positional advantage.
Should I always follow the standard opening moves?
They’re a good starting point, but every board is unique. Use standard moves as a guide, not gospel.
Is it better to play aggressive or defensive in the opening?
It depends on your style and your opponent. Generally, a balanced approach—splitting and building—is best for most beginners.
When should I run a back checker early?
Only when the dice roll allows a clean escape (like 6-5), or when the board is open enough to make it safe.
What is “slotting” in the opening?
Slotting means placing a blot on a point you want to build on your next turn. It’s risky but can lead to quick development.
What’s more important: making points or escaping checkers?
Early in the game, making points (especially the 5- and 4-point) tends to give more long-term control than escaping.
Do pros memorize all the opening responses?
Many do, especially in tournament play. But more importantly, they understand why each move works—so they can adapt when needed.
Conclusion
Opening a backgammon game is like striking a match. You can light a slow-burning fire—or accidentally burn your fingers.
Strong starts don’t just come from luck. They come from knowing your options, understanding the board, and being just bold enough to take the right risk.
Learn the rolls, trust the tempo, and above all—don’t let fear guide your first move. Because the story of a backgammon game is often written in those first two turns. Make them count.