Backgammon Openings: The Best Moves
Published on June 21, 2026 · Updated on July 6, 2026
The opening often decides the shape of the rest of the game. For every possible first roll, countless computer rollouts have identified a single strongest move – here’s an overview of the most important ones.
The best opening moves by roll
| Roll | Best move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3-1 | 8/5, 6/5 | Makes your own 5-point – one of the most valuable points in your home board |
| 4-2 | 8/4, 6/4 | Makes your own 4-point and strengthens your home board |
| 6-1 | 13/7, 8/7 | Makes the bar point (7-point) – key for later priming |
| 5-3 | 8/3, 6/3 | Makes the 3-point |
| 6-5 | 24/13 | “Lover’s Leap”: one checker runs all the way to safety in your opponent’s home board |
| 2-1 | 13/11, 24/23 | Gains flexibility without unnecessarily exposing your checkers |
Two of these rolls – 3-1 and 6-1 – reward a closer look, since choosing the right move involves a fair amount of nuance: 3-1 in detail and 6-1 in detail.
Why is the opening so important?
The first moves set the tone for the rest of the game. A point secured early is gone for your opponent for the rest of the game – especially true for central points like your own 5-point, the “golden point”. Knowing the standard moves also means you don’t have to re-derive the right move every single game, so you can focus on reacting to your opponent instead.
These recommendations aren’t a matter of opinion – they’re based on millions of simulated games analyzed with programs like GNU Backgammon or XG (eXtreme Gammon). The analysis weighs not just win probability, but also gammon chances and the counter-play a move hands to your opponent.
What comes after the opening?
After the first moves, the game is shaped by core backgammon strategy: building primes, timing an attack correctly, and using the doubling cube. If you’re wondering whether and when an early hit is even worth it, Courage to Attack has the answer.
About the Author
Ulf Mayer
I love backgammon in all its forms – whether it's a quick match on my smartphone to pass the time, or a glass of wine alongside a beautiful wooden board with family and friends. As the founder of backgammon-meister.de, I share my passion, tactics, and tips to help both beginners and ambitious players dominate their next match. Dice cup ready? Let's master the game!
backgammon-meister.de has been online since 2008.