Best Opening Move for 6-3 in Backgammon
Best play: 24/18 13/10 (+0.008 equity, gnubg 3-ply analysis)
An opening 6-3 runs a back checker out with the six — 24/18 — and the question is the three. The modern play 24/18 13/10 adds a builder and accepts two blots, betting that either the 18-point checker escapes or the return-shot exchange favours you. The old-school 24/15 running play puts the same checker further from danger but does nothing for development and often gets attacked anyway. Rollouts favour the builder play: the 10-point checker turns dead rolls into point-making rolls, which is worth the second blot.
All reasonable plays for 6-3, ranked
| # | Play | Equity | Diff | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24/18 13/10 | +0.008 | — | 50.4 |
| 2 | 24/15 | -0.002 | -0.010 | 50.4 |
| 3 | 24/21 13/7 | -0.040 | -0.048 | 48.8 |
| 4 | 24/21 24/18 | -0.052 | -0.060 | 49.3 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best opening move for 6-3 in backgammon?
The best play for an opening 6-3 is 24/18 13/10 (GNU Backgammon, 3-ply cubeful analysis). It wins 50.4% of games from the start, with a cubeful equity of +0.008.
Why not run all the way with 24/15?
The checker on the 15-point is still exposed and your position gains nothing new. Splitting the roll between escape (24/18) and development (13/10) gives the same checker better prospects plus a working builder.