Improving your opening game is one of the most effective ways to enhance your backgammon skills quickly. While cube actions, doubling theory, and strategy theory are all important, mastering the opening rolls can significantly impact your overall performance. Since nearly every game involves the first two to three rolls, having a strong understanding of these can prevent early equity losses and contribute to long-term success. This article provides three essential tips for the second roll, which can instantly improve your game and help you win more matches.
These tips focus on the second roll and how to respond to various first roll plays.
Tip 1: "Anchorman" - Always Make an Advanced Anchor with Doublets When the Opponent Has Made an Inner Board Point
When your opponent has established an inner board point, use a double to create an advanced anchor (except with double ones).
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This strategy neutralizes the opponent’s early prime position by securing an advanced anchor. The deeper the opponent's point, the less necessary it is to advance the back anchor. For instance, with double twos, make the strong four-point after establishing the anchor. With double threes and fours, make a quiet but solid play by bringing two checkers down from the midpoint.
Tip 2: "Slot Machines" - Counter Slot with 21 and 51
Counter slotting is an effective response, particularly with rolls of 21 and 51.
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Here are some key counter slotting moves:
- With 21, slot (optional to split).
- With 51, counter slot except against 21 (play 24/22, 6/5).
- Rolls containing a 2 should be slotted against 51 (play 13/8, 6/5) due to the duplication of threes and only two builders.
- Double ones should always make two points except against 41 (play 13/9, 6/5).
- A roll of 31 always hits.
- Running rolls should be executed except when the first roll is 21 (play 13/11, 6/5) and the second roll is 63.
In match play, if you are behind, make the reverse split with 63 against 21. Slotting is generally advantageous when you are at a race deficit, there is duplication, or the opponent has a blotty position. In the example above, the opponent has two blots, allowing you to slot freely. If you slot, the opponent needs a high-value roll to both hit and make the five-point, which has a 17% chance of occurring. Counter slotting against a 51-slot with two rolls demonstrates the power of duplication, reducing the opponent's chances of both hitting and making the five-point to 11%. If the opponent hits without covering the slot, you can likely hit back from the bar.
Tip 3: "Hit From Mid" - Always Hit Loose from the Midpoint
Hitting from the midpoint is generally the best move unless there is a more obvious play. This includes hitting with rolls of 53, 54, 62, 63, and 64, rather than making points with 53 and 64.
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Initiative is crucial in the early game as both players compete for key points, primarily the four and five-point on both sides of the board. Hitting from the midpoint prevents the opponent from anchoring or escaping, maintaining the blitzing value of your position. If the opponent has not split, making the two-point can deter splitting. However, if the opponent has already split, making the two-point is less effective as it likely removes the opportunity to attack on the next roll. Running all the way is too passive, allowing the opponent to anchor, make a new inner board point, or hit. Additionally, the opponent has extra hitting numbers from the split checkers, not just from the midpoint.
By adhering to these tips, you can improve your opening game strategy, thereby enhancing your overall backgammon performance.