Backgammon Openings - Fundamental Principles
Backgammon is a game of strategy and chance, but it always starts the same way: two players with 15 checkers, positioned identically, and the first move that can change the course of the entire game.
- The fundamental principles of backgammon openings
- The four main categories of openings and their strategic role
- The best move for each possible roll in the first turn
- Strategic considerations to take into account based on your playing style
Understanding openings is the first step to mastering this ancient game. Follow this guide to develop a solid approach from the very first moves.
Fundamental Principles of Openings
Before getting into technical details, let’s understand the principles that govern a good start in backgammon.
Initial Strategic Objectives
- Establishing points: Occupying strategic positions with at least two checkers
- Escaping back checkers: Reducing the vulnerability of your isolated checkers at the back
- Preparing builders: Positioning your checkers to create points in subsequent turns
- Balancing flexibility and safety: Not exposing yourself too much while keeping development options
Key Concepts for Understanding Openings
| Concept | Definition | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Point | Position occupied by at least two checkers | Protection against opponent attacks |
| Blot | Isolated and vulnerable checker | Risk of being hit and sent to the bar |
| Builder | Checker positioned to form a point later | Prepares the construction of defensive structures |
| Slot | Deliberately placing an exposed checker on a strategic position | Aggressive strategy to establish an important point later |
| Split | Moving two checkers from the same position | Increases flexibility and play options |
The Four Categories of Openings
Backgammon openings can be classified into four major categories, each with its own characteristics and strategic implications.
1. The Naturals
These openings are considered the strongest because they offer an immediate advantage without excessive exposure. They correspond to the rolls 3-1, 4-2, 6-1, 5-3, and 6-5.
With a 4-2, the optimal move is 24 to 20 (4) and 13 to 11 (2).
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This movement establishes the 4-point, considered the second most important point in the game. Why? This point is:
- Advanced enough to effectively block the opponent
- A solid base for your later development
- A position that controls several entries from the bar
2. The Aces
These openings correspond to rolls 2-1, 4-1, and 5-1, and present a fundamental choice between:
- Slot Option: Placing a checker on the 5-point (exposing it) to try to establish this crucial point in the next turn
- Split Option: Advancing a checker from position 24 and using the other die for a safer move
With a 2-1, you can choose between:
- Aggressive option (Slot): 13 to 11 (2) and 6 to 5 (1)
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- Conservative option (Split): 13 to 11 (2) and 24 to 23 (1)
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The first option exposes a checker on the 5-point but gives you a chance to establish this crucial point in the next turn. The second option is safer but less ambitious.
3. The Middles
These openings correspond to rolls 3-2, 4-3, 5-2, and 5-4. They generally don’t establish points immediately but prepare a structure for subsequent turns.
With a 4-3, the preferred option is to advance two checkers from position 13:
- One checker from 13 to 10 (3)
- Another from 13 to 9 (4)
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This approach prepares several builders to establish points in your inner board. More aggressive alternatives exist, such as 24 to 21 (3) and 13 to 9 (4).
4. The Six Combinations
These openings correspond to rolls 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4. They are often controversial, with divergent opinions between human players and computer analyses.
With a 6-4, you have two main options:
- Option preferred by computers: 24 to 18 (6) and 13 to 9 (4)
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- Running option: 24 to 14 (using 6+4)
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The first option balances advancement and development, while the second attempts to quickly escape a back checker.
Complete Table of Optimal Openings
Here is a summary of the best moves for each possible roll in the first turn:
| Category | Roll | Best Move(s) | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Naturals | 3-1 | 24 to 21 (3) and 13 to 12 (1) | Establish the 5-point |
| 4-2 | 24 to 20 (4) and 13 to 11 (2) | Establish the 4-point | |
| 6-1 | 24 to 18 (6) and 13 to 12 (1) | Control the middle of the board | |
| 5-3 | 24 to 19 (5) and 13 to 10 (3) | Solidify the inner board | |
| 6-5 | 24 to 13 (using 6+5) | Escape a back checker | |
| The Aces | 2-1 | Option 1: 13 to 11 (2) and 6 to 5 (1) (Slot) Option 2: 13 to 11 (2) and 24 to 23 (1) (Split) |
Try for the 5-point or prepare a structure |
| 4-1 | 24 to 23 (1) and 13 to 9 (4) (Split) Alternative: 13 to 9 (4) and 6 to 5 (1) (Slot) |
Flexibility or aggressive attempt | |
| 5-1 | 24 to 23 (1) and 13 to 8 (5) (Split) Alternative: 13 to 8 (5) and 6 to 5 (1) (Slot) |
Flexibility or aggressive attempt | |
| The Middles | 3-2 | Option 1: 24 to 21 (3) and 13 to 11 (2) Option 2: One checker from 13 to 11 (2) and another from 13 to 10 (3) |
Prepare point formation |
| 4-3 | Preferred: One checker from 13 to 10 (3) and another from 13 to 9 (4) Alternatives: 24 to 21 (3) and 13 to 9 (4), 24 to 20 (4) and 13 to 10 (3) |
Progress and prepare points | |
| 5-2 | Preferred: 24 to 22 (2) and 13 to 8 (5) Alternative: One checker from 13 to 11 (2) and another from 13 to 8 (5) |
Advance and progress in intermediate zone | |
| 5-4 | Preferred: 24 to 20 (4) and 13 to 8 (5) Alternatives: One checker from 13 to 9 (4) and another from 13 to 8 (5), 24 to 15 (using 5+4) |
Quick race or point establishment | |
| The Six Combinations | 6-2 | 24 to 18 (6) and 13 to 11 (2) | Create an anchor in opponent’s territory |
| 6-3 | 24 to 18 (6) and 13 to 10 (3) | Create an anchor in opponent’s territory | |
| 6-4 | Preferred: 24 to 18 (6) and 13 to 9 (4) Alternative: 24 to 14 (using 6+4) |
Combination of anchoring and advancement or escape |
The Hierarchical Importance of Points
Not all points are created equal in backgammon. Here is a hierarchy of the most important points to establish at the beginning of the game:
The 5-Point - Most valuable point:
- Excellent coverage against opponent rolls
- Ideal position for hitting opponent checkers
The 4-Point - Second most important point:
- Optimal balance between defense and attack
- Solid base for different strategies
The 7-Point (Bar Point) - Crucial point for middle control:
- Blocks opponent checker escape
- Powerful attacking position
The 3-Point - Strengthens your inner board:
- Completes a solid defense
- Makes it more difficult for opponent checkers to enter from the bar
Adapting Your Opening Strategy to Your Playing Style
Openings are not rigid formulas to follow blindly. Your personal playing style should influence your choices.
Common Playing Styles
Offensive/Aggressive Player:
- Prefer “Slot” options for rolls with Aces
- Opt for the most aggressive alternatives in Middle openings
- Don’t hesitate to expose checkers for potential significant gains
Defensive/Conservative Player:
- Prefer “Split” options to avoid excessive exposure
- Focus on quickly establishing points in your inner board
- Avoid options that leave multiple blots exposed
Flexible/Adaptive Player:
- Vary your openings depending on the match context
- Adapt your approach based on the match score
- Use the surprise effect by alternating between conservative and aggressive approaches
Evolution of Openings with Neural Network Analysis
Historically, human players often favored conservative approaches. However, AI programs like XG Gammon and Extreme Gammon have revealed that more aggressive approaches can offer a statistical advantage.
- For the 2-1 roll, the Slot option (13 to 11 and 6 to 5) is generally preferred by modern AIs, while traditional human players more often opted for the Split option
- For the 6-4 roll, the debate continues, with divergent opinions between high-level human players and computer analyses
The 13 to 11 and 6 to 1 move :
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What AI Teaches Us
AI analysis shows us that:
- Calculated risk is often rewarded
- The value of establishing key points early often outweighs the risk of exposure
- Flexibility and multiple options are statistically advantageous
Conclusion and Perspectives
Backgammon openings represent a fascinating microcosm of this game, where strategy, probability, and psychology meet. Although there are statistically optimal moves for each roll, the choice of the perfect opening also depends on your personal style and the match context.
In our upcoming articles, we will explore:
- Mid-game strategies and managing difficult positions
- Advanced end-game and racing techniques
Comment below with your favorite openings and share your own experience with these initial moves!