Opening 5-2: two down, or split
13/8 13/11 is the common play. 24/22 13/8 is a close second and some strong players prefer it.
13/8 13/11Rollouts are close
Why this play
- 13/8 is safe and always useful. The argument is entirely about the 2.
- Played 13/11, the checker becomes a builder that bears on the 5-point, the 4-point and the bar point. The cost is a blot on the 11-point, which is 13 pips from the back checkers: indirect range only.
- Played 24/22, the 2 starts the back checkers moving instead. This is safer against an aggressive opponent and is the better choice when you are ahead in a match and want quiet.
The mistake to avoid
Avoid 13/6, which buries the 5 on a point you already own and does nothing for your structure.
How settled is this? Rollouts are close. Either main option is defensible, and the match score should push you one way or the other.
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 5-2 in backgammon?
13/8 13/11. 13/8 13/11 is the common play. 24/22 13/8 is a close second and some strong players prefer it.
Why not play something else with 5-2?
Avoid 13/6, which buries the 5 on a point you already own and does nothing for your structure.
© 2026 Backgammon Battles