Backgammon Opening Rolls
In the game of backgammon there are variations that the player may use. This will depend on the move of player's opponent. In the backgammon standard, the player can never begin the game with doublets. Here are some recommendations for the player's turn in the second position.
"Doubles": Double on Six - close to your opponent's bar point and on your own bar point by having 24/18 on 2, and 13/7 on 2. Double on Five - move your two checkers that are located at midpoint to the 3 point by having 13/3 on 2. Double on Four - Close at 20 point, and at 9 point, by having 24/20 on 2, and 13/9 on 2. Double on Three - Close at 21 point, and at 5 point, by having 24/21 on 2, and 8/5 on 2. This has a strategic value of twenty point, similarly on twenty-one point. Double on Two - Close at 20 point by having 24/20 on 2. Another form of a strong game would be to close at 11 and 4 point by having 13/11 on 2, and 6/4 on 2. Double on One - Close that bar point at 5 point by having 8/7 on 2, and 6/5 on 2.
"Non-Doubles": Two and One - the slot will play at 13/11 and 6/5. The splitting play is at 24/23 and 13/11. These are the two most regular plays that seem to be equal. Three and One - This has the 8/5 and 6/5, and nothing else. Three and Two - This is a splitting play at 24/21 and 13/11; this will come out a little better than creating the 13/10 and the 13/11.
Four and One - This has the splitting play of 24/23 and 13/9, that comes out again superior to slot play at 13/9 and 6/5. This is probably the reason that the builder has the 9 point. There are many nice points in numbers on the next turn but, anyway, the player will not need the 5 point slot. Four and Two - This has, of course, 8/4 and 6/4. Four and Three - The play of the 13/10 and 13/9 are commonly splitting, having 24/10 and 13/10, and are all tied. There is an alternative split of about 24/21 and 13/9, but this is behind a little. Five and One - The split play is at 24/23 and 13/8. This is better than slot play at 13/8 and 6/5, the third, less desireable, alternative is at 24/18, which is the worst. Five and Two - This is a normal play of 13/11 and 13/8. This has a split play of 24/22 and 13/8. Five and Three - This is as simple as the 8/3 and 6/3, which is best. Five and Four - This is splitting in 24/20 and 13/8, and creating a 13/9 and 13/8. Six and One - The 13/7 and 8/7 is correct. Six and Two - The split play is at 24/18 and 13/11; this will come out fairly superior. Six and Three - the split is at 24/18 and 13/10; this will come out as the best, but also the 24/15 comes from behind. Six and Four - Both are running on 24/14, the split play at 24/18, and 13/9 - all are equal. Six and Five - This is simply the 24/13.
Study the opening rolls above so you can know which checks to start, and how.
