What is the best opening roll in backgammon?

3-1 and 6-1 are considered the best opening rolls. 3-1 makes the 5-point (the most valuable point), and 6-1 makes the bar point (7-point), which begins blocking the opponent.

Why can't you roll doubles on the first turn?

Both players roll one die to determine who goes first. The player with the higher die takes the first turn using the two dice already rolled. Since you can't have doubles as the opening roll, there are exactly 15 possible opening rolls.

Is there one correct opening move for each roll?

For most rolls, experts agree on the best play. A few rolls like 2-1 and 4-3 have close alternatives that are debated. Computer analysis has largely settled these debates.

Backgammon Opening Moves — The Best Play for Every First Roll

Learn the optimal first move for each of the 15 possible opening rolls in backgammon.

February 19, 2026 2 min read

The 15 Opening Rolls

In backgammon, each player rolls one die and the higher roller goes first using the two dice shown. Since ties are re-rolled, there are exactly 15 possible opening rolls (no doubles possible on the first turn).

Computer analysis has established the best opening play for each roll. Here they are:

Point-Making Rolls (Clear Best Moves)

3-1: Make the 5-Point

Move: 8/5, 6/5

This is widely considered the best opening roll. Making the 5-point:

Secures the most valuable point in the game
Begins your home board prime
Blocks the opponent’s escape route

6-1: Make the Bar Point

Move: 13/7, 8/7

Making the bar point (7-point) is extremely strong:

Creates an anchor adjacent to your home board
Begins a potential prime
Blocks the opponent’s back checkers

4-2: Make the 4-Point

Move: 8/4, 6/4

Making the 4-point extends your home board:

Builds toward a prime
Blocks the opponent
Gives you three home board points (4, 5, 6) to start

5-3: Make the 3-Point

Move: 8/3, 6/3

Making the 3-point is good:

Another home board point made immediately
Slightly less valuable than the 5-point or bar point, but still strong

Running Rolls

6-5: Run a Back Checker

Move: 24/13

The Lover’s Leap — move a back checker all the way to the midpoint:

Escapes one back checker immediately
Takes advantage of the large run
The standard play, though some players try 24/18, 13/8 (splitting and building)

6-4: Run with 24/14

Move: 24/14

A run to the outfield:

Escapes one back checker
Leaves a blot on 14, but the alternatives are worse

6-3: Run with 24/15

Move: 24/15

Another running play:

Escapes to the outfield
A common alternative is 24/18, 13/10 (split and build)

6-2: Run with 24/16

Move: 24/18, 13/11

Most players prefer splitting the back checkers (24/18) and bringing down a builder (13/11):

Creates an advanced position in the opponent’s board
Places a builder for the 5-point or bar point

Splitting and Building Rolls

5-4: Split and Build

Move: 13/8, 24/20

Split one back checker forward and bring a builder down:

The split to the 20-point aims for an anchor
The builder on 8 targets the 5-point

5-2: Split 24/22, Build 13/8

Move: 13/8, 24/22

Split and build:

The builder on 8 is a flexible construction piece
The split to 22 diversifies your back game options

5-1: Split 24/23, Build 13/8

Move: 13/8, 24/23

Split to the 23-point and bring a builder down from the midpoint.

4-3: Split and Build

Move: 13/9, 24/21

Split one back checker and bring a builder down:

Both halves serve constructive purposes
Some players prefer 13/10, 13/9 (two builders)

4-1: Split 24/23, Build 13/9

Move: 13/9, 24/23

The builder on 9 is excellent, threatening both the 5-point and 7-point
The split to 23 diversifies the back position

3-2: Split 24/21, Build 13/11

Move: 13/11, 24/21