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Opening 6-5: lover's leap

The one opening roll where the right play is to run, and nobody disputes it.

24/13Every source agrees

Backgammon board after the opening roll 6-5 played 24/13 — The position after 24/13. The 13-point is highlighted.

Why this play

One back checker travels the entire way from the 24-point to your midpoint in a single roll, landing safely on a point you already own.
Back checkers are the main liability in the opening. Getting one all the way out removes most of that liability at no risk.
The name is old and the play is older. It is the only opening that fully solves a problem rather than building toward one.

The mistake to avoid

None worth listing. Run.

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 free

Frequently asked questions

What is the best play for an opening 6-5 in backgammon?

24/13. The one opening roll where the right play is to run, and nobody disputes it.

Why not play something else with 6-5?

None worth listing. Run.