Opening 4-2: make the 4-point
Universal agreement, for the same reason as 3-1: a home board point, made safely, on the first roll.
8/4 6/4Every source agrees
Why this play
- The 4-point is the second most useful home board point after the 5-point. Making it costs you nothing and leaves no blot.
- Every home board point you own reduces your opponent's chance of re-entering a checker you later hit. With the 6-point and 4-point made, a checker on the bar misses on 4 rolls out of 36.
- It keeps your structure connected: the 4, 6 and 8 points give you a foundation that later rolls can build a prime around.
The mistake to avoid
Playing 8/4 13/11 instead splits your builders and leaves a blot for no gain. Make the point.
How settled is this? Every source agrees. There is no serious argument against it.
Knowing the play and making it under pressure are different skills
Play a rated game and the computer reviews every decision you made afterwards, including this one. The dice are sealed before you move and verifiable after, so what the review measures is you.
Play a rated game freeFrequently asked questions
What is the best play for an opening 4-2 in backgammon?
8/4 6/4. Universal agreement, for the same reason as 3-1: a home board point, made safely, on the first roll.
Why not play something else with 4-2?
Playing 8/4 13/11 instead splits your builders and leaves a blot for no gain. Make the point.
© 2026 Backgammon Battles