Two Plays for the Five-Two Backgammon Opening Roll
The five-two opening roll is one interesting opening roll in backgammon. A lot has also been said about the two recommended plays for this opening roll. We'll discuss the two recommended plays for the five-two opening roll and we'll see which is better. We don't intend to give a recommendation but please choose the move that fits your backgammon strategy.
All players agree that the only way to play the five correctly in this backgammon opening roll is to do a 13/8. You will immediately notice that the two recommended plays for this opening roll will have a 13/8 move. The only real discussion left among players is how to play the other result of the dice.
The two most recommended plays for the five-two opening roll are 13/11, 13/8 and 24/22, 13/8.
A 24/22, 13/8 splits the runners. This used to be considered a bad way to play this opening roll. Though the probability is pretty slim (one out of thirty-six), if your opponent rolls a double five you'd likely end up having two checkers on the bar with your opponent with a home board point.
Another point of discouragement is that your moves tend to be duplicated when you split your back men only two pips apart. Hence, a lot of the later rolls you might make will build good anchors on either your side of the backgammon board or on your opponent's side.
The good news to this play for the five-two opening roll is that the position of your blots is really pretty safe. You will definitely have a good chance to hit back if your opponent doesn't make a five-five, three-three, or five-three.
Another piece of good news is that the 22-point is now virtually yours. You've already slotted that point in the opening roll, and my making another two on the dice you now have a good anchor on your opponent's home board.
The other favorite play for this opening roll is 13/11, 13/8. The checker on the 11-point is on very safe grounds. It isn't really that vulnerable to hits. It also enhances your coverage of your side of the backgammon board. The next move from here would be either to make the bar-point or your own five-point (two excellent points on the backgammon board).
This play for this opening roll is the clear favorite among many backgammon players. It also is a good way to play safe and pester the opponent's back checkers.
There are other plays for the five-two opening roll but these count as the big favorites among backgammon players. Remember to check out your options for this opening roll and select a play that you're comfortable with.