Best Backgammon Opening Moves for Every Dice

In this article, we will explore the best backgammon opening moves for every possible dice roll, helping players of all levels improve their game and increase their chances of success. 

The odds you getting a good dice at the beginning are not very high (yet not so low) so we decided to write an article about the best Backgammon opening moves for every dice in our opinion. Read more about how to play backgammon.

Why learn Opening Rolls?

One of the most important aspects of Backgammon is the opening move, as it sets the stage for the rest of the game. Different dice rolls require different opening moves, and knowing which move to make can give players a significant advantage.

What are the best Backgammon opening moves for every dice?

This is a tricky question as it requires balancing the randomness of the dice with the desire for the best possible opening move. While a player’s moves are ultimately dictated by the roll of the dice, a skilled player will strive to make the best possible move with the given dice. Thus, understanding the importance of both luck and strategy is key to becoming a successful backgammon player.

Backgammon starts with both players rolling one die to see who starts the game with those dice. In case of a tie, both players roll again. That means doubles can’t be the first move at Backgammon. In this article, we cover also doubles because there are games, for example, Shesh Besh the beginner does rolls again.

What is the best opening with those dice?

• Roll 1 and 3 are considered the best opening, and this is the move to do with it:

This move will block the “5” point at your home base and make your opponent’s plan to leave your home a lot harder. Notice that doubles 4’s can give you almost the same result:

• In general, every difference of 2 between the dice can create a close point at your home and give a good opening against your opponent:

Notice that doubles 5’s can give you almost the same result as 5 and 3.

• Rolls of 1 and 6 are also considered a good start, and this is the move to do with it:

This will create another good barrier between your opponent and his home base.

Notice that doubles 3’s can give you almost the same result.

• There is a dice that can take the 6 and 1 one step further, this is the doubles 6’s:

Not only you blocked him as the 6 and 1 did, but you also moved out 2 pieces of his home and blocked his home entrance.

• Roll of 1-1:

In our opinion, the best move for 1-1 is to reach the same result as 1-3, and in addition, move your farthest pieces together, it looks like this:

This move will block the “5” point at your home base and make your opponent’s plan to leave your home a lot harder. In addition, you will be one step closer to releasing your pieces from your opponent’s home.

• Roll of 1-2:

Considered one of the worst dice. If you rolled it, this can be a good move for you:

This can create a good option for you in the future to block points and you don’t risk getting hit. Because only 6-4 will be a good option for your opponent (2.7778%).

• Roll of 1-4:

Like the 1-2, can create an even better option for you in the future to block points but increases the risk of getting hit.

• Roll of 1-5:

Personally, we don’t like these dice, so we suggest playing it safe and waiting for the next turn to do a better move. In the move above we don’t risk the front piece getting hit.

• Roll of 2-2:

We love to do this move because it let you build a strong line, that makes your opponent’s wish to move to his home a lot harder. Another great option will be the following one:

This will block another point which makes it hard life for your opponent.

• Roll of 2-3:

For us, there are 2 options here, the first one is less risky:

The option above has the benefits of 1-2, but in addition, you got close to your home with your farthest piece.

The second option is riskier:

This option will give you a lot of options to block points in the next turn but also put your pieces a risk to get hit. 3-3, 3-6, 4-6, 5-4 get your opponent an option to hit you – that’s approximately 18% option.

• Roll of 2-5:

Not our favorite dice either… This is what we will do with it:

This will give you a better chance to block points in the next turns without big risk.

• Roll of 2-6:

This will give you a better chance to block points in the next turns and also get one of your pieces out of your opponent’s home.

• Roll of 3-3:

This is a great start. You blocked a point in a crucial place – which makes a hard time to your opponent to leave your home, without risking getting hit.

Another good option for those who want to escape the opponent’s home soon as possible is:

• Roll of 3-4:

These dice have few options, but we love to be riskier so we pick the following dice as our favorite:

This dice can give you an amazing chance to block points in the next turns and create a strong start, but also create greater risk. 2-6, 3-3, 3-5, 3-6, 4-5, 4-4 get your opponent an option to hit you – that’s approximately 27% option. With great risk comes greater reward…

• Roll of 3-6:

This will give you a better chance to block points in the next turns and also get one of your pieces out of your opponent’s home.

• Roll of 4-4:

Great dice for starting, we like to play it as follows:

This will block 2 points in your opponent’s way, which makes it hard life for your opponent.

• Roll of 4-5:

This will give you a better chance to block points in the next turns.

• Roll of 5-5:

Although this is a double, it doesn’t give a lot of options because half of the board is blocked for 5. This is the best move in our opinion:

This block point at your home and there is no risk of getting hit.

• Roll of 5-6:

This move secures your piece that started at the opponent’s home.

No matter what dice you get, there are strategies that can help you make the best use of your pieces. While some dice may be more difficult than others, knowing how to respond in each situation is key for a successful game of backgammon. Utilizing these tips and tricks will give you an edge over your opponent and set up a strong foundation for victory. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a master at this classic board game!