Backgammon Openings Replies
Many strategies have been written about backgammon opening rolls. Many new players get excited when they learn a few basic moves to go with specific opening rolls and they think that they have all the strategy they need. However, after the opening roll and move has been completed there is another, equally important, stage of the game called backgammon opening replies. Only the more advanced players know about these moves and they can have just as much of an impact on the game as the opening moves.
In order to produce the correct opening replies, a player needs to know how to evaluate their opponent and analyze the board. In a backgammon game, there are 15 possible opening rolls to reply to and there are 21 possible replies to each of these rolls! Advanced players know exactly what to do in each and every of these scenarios.
Below is a brief explanation of some of the classic opening replies:
Non Double Reply:
- 5-3, 4-2, 6-1, 3-1 : These moves are treated the same as opening moves and player must move their checkers that have a one point gap, followed by a new row in another point
- 6-4, 6-5 : In this situation the backgammon reply should be used to move one’s checkers in the opponents homeboard. This would not be done however, if a player can hit in their homeboard with 6-4.
- 6-3, 6-2 : Ideal replies in this case is an 18 and a 10/11 point. However if the opportunity arises to hit, then a player should do so. Another option is moving to the 15/16 point.
- 5-4 : A player should hit their opponent's side in this case if the opening moves allow it. A player can split their checkers in reply, but on the opponents side of the board.
- 4-3, 3-2 : Hitting the four and five point is best, but also two checkers down.
- 5-1, 4-1 : In this case, a player’s upper checkers can be split.
- 2-1 : Here hitting is preferred, or making the 11 and 23 points.
- 5-2 : Hitting is an option as well as the 8 and 22 points.
Double Backgammon Reply
- 6-6 : Making both bar points is the best option in this case. If the opponent makes the 18th bar point in his opening move, then the player can make the two point in his homeboard.
- 5-5 : if the opponent has opened with a split then the player can try and hit it with the double 5. Alternatively the 3rd points can be created to start a homeboard block.
- 4-4 : Same strategy as above.
- 3-3 : Again the player should try and hit on the five and three points, or create the 21 and 10 points.
- 2-2 : If possible, hit the opponent in the 20 point and make the 4 point.
- 1-1 : Optimal reply is making the 5 point and the 7 bar point. Alternatively the player can make the 4 point, the 5 point or a split on the 22 point.
