Backgammon 2-1 opening: the best move
Rolled 2-1 on the opening roll? This is the best move according to the strongest analysis programs in the world:
13/11 6/5
Slot the 5 point and bring a checker down to the 11 point (13/11 6/5). If your opponent doesn't hit it, you make the 5 point next turn. An almost equal alternative: 24/23 13/11.
All the good moves, best first
| Move | Chance to win | Gammon wins | Behind the best |
|---|---|---|---|
13/11 6/5 | 50.4% | 14.5% | — |
24/23 13/11 | 50% | 14.2% | −0.008 |
24/21 | 49.3% | 12.9% | −0.043 |
13/10 | 48.9% | 14.2% | −0.050 |
GNU Backgammon ranks this move first too.
The numbers: eXtreme Gammon (XG) rollouts, money play with the doubling cube. "Behind the best" is how much a move loses compared with the best one, in fractions of a point; less than 0.02 is barely noticeable.
Practice
The best way to learn openings is in a real game: against the computer you get a hint every turn, and an analysis of every move at the end.