Backgammon Opening Roll Principles
The opening roll is an important part of the game. Since every player is going to see the same dice results over and over it is better to understand some principles when choosing moves on the opening roll. Here are important principles to keep in mind.
If there is a possibility to make a point on your home board on the opening roll, do it. They provide good blocks for your opponent's checkers when entering from the bar and other strategies in a backgammon game.
Trapping the enemy's back men is a good early goal especially when you have a good opportunity to build a point in the opening roll.
In the opening roll of a backgammon game consider escaping your own back men, since your opponent will also try to make it a point to trap yours as well. If trapping the opponent's back men is not yet possible in the opening roll, then consider moving your back men out of harm's way.
When considering which points to make first during the opening roll, consider controlling the five-point, the four-point next, and the bar-point last. These points are strategically essential in the opening roll and pave the way to a more flexible game. It is well to consider using your spare checkers to build on key points on the backgammon board.
One opinion to keep in mind is to split the back men and lead them to safety before your opponent gets a chance to make points on the home board.
When deciding your move on the opening roll, it is also considered more important to get a flexible position than to play it safe. It is part of the gambling spirit of backgammon to take chances in hope to gain a better position. Be willing to get hit if it enables you to take an effective position quickly.
Consider making or setting up an advanced anchor when deciding your move during the opening roll. It opens a lot of strategic opportunities and maneuvers. An advanced anchor is also a good way to make it harder for your opponent's checker to get to the home board.
Consider struggling for your five-point in the opening roll. If your opponent places a checker or hits your checker at the five-point, make sure you take it back. Don't let your opponent make the five-point.
Remember that every backgammon game will eventually turn into a race, since that is the very nature of the game. Remember to play rapidly and aggressively to seize key points especially in the opening roll. During the opening roll, make sure to keep your movements aggressive and dynamic at the same time to accommodate those unexpected dice results.
These are effective principles to keep in mind when playing the opening roll and other subsequent turns in the opening play. Take time to study them and soon you'll get your opening roll well worked out.