Backgammon opening moves
Opening theory in backgammon is well settled: for each of the 15 possible opening rolls there is a strongest play. Here is the chart worth memorizing, and the logic behind it.
Play for freeNo sign-up, no download — right in your browser
Points are counted from the mover's side: 24 is where your two back checkers start, 13 is the midpoint with five checkers, the 8-point is in your outer board and the 6-point is in your home board. 13/7 means "a checker from the 13-point to the 7-point".
Opening moves chart
| Roll | Play | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3-1 | 8/5 6/5 | Makes the 5-point — the best opening roll. |
| 4-2 | 8/4 6/4 | Makes the 4-point. |
| 6-1 | 13/7 8/7 | Makes the bar point, the start of a prime. |
| 5-3 | 8/3 6/3 | Makes the 3-point. |
| 6-5 | 24/13 | "Lover's leap": a back checker runs to safety. |
| 6-4 | 24/18 13/9, or 8/2 6/2, or 24/14 | Three nearly equal choices; 24/14 is the simplest. |
| 6-3 | 24/18 13/10 | Splits the back checkers and brings a builder down. |
| 6-2 | 24/18 13/11 | The same idea with a two. |
| 5-4 | 24/20 13/8 | An advanced anchor try plus a safe five. |
| 5-2 | 13/8 13/11 | Two builders from the midpoint. |
| 5-1 | 13/8 24/23 | A safe five and a small split. |
| 4-3 | 24/20 13/10 | Active: an advanced anchor try and a builder. |
| 4-1 | 24/23 13/9 | A builder on the 9-point and a split. |
| 3-2 | 24/21 13/11 | Split back, builder in front. |
| 2-1 | 13/11 24/23 | Modest but flexible. |
The chart follows mainstream backgammon theory. For 6-4, 4-3, 3-2 and 2-1 strong players also use other, nearly equal plays.
The logic of the opening
- Make key points. 3-1, 4-2 and 5-3 make a home-board point at once, and 6-1 makes the bar point — never pass them up.
- Get the back checkers moving. The two on the 24-point are farthest behind; 6-5 runs one all the way out.
- Bring builders. Single checkers on the 9–11 points help you make home points with later rolls.
- Early risk is cheap. Your opponent's home board is still weak, so a checker hit early usually comes straight back in.
What about long nardy?
In long nardy there is no hitting, so the theory is completely different. See the long nardy rules.
Try it yourself — play the computer and see how each opening works.
Play for freeNo sign-up, no download — right in your browser
FAQ
Can you roll doubles on the opening move?
No. The first move uses the two numbers rolled to decide who starts, and ties are re-rolled, so the opening move is always two different numbers.
What is the best opening roll in backgammon?
3-1, which makes your 5-point straight away. 4-2 (making the 4-point) and 6-1 (making the 7-point, the bar point) come next.
What does 8/5 6/5 mean?
One checker moves from your 8-point to your 5-point and another from your 6-point to your 5-point. Points are counted from the mover's side: 1–6 is your home board, 24 is the farthest point.
Is there an opening chart for long nardy?
Not a standard one. In long nardy you usually take one checker off the head and bring it forward; with 6-6, 4-4 or 3-3 on your first turn you may take two.
Updated: October 24, 2026