Backgammon Strategy: 8 Tips for Beginners
Backgammon mixes luck and skill, and over many games the skill wins. These eight ideas will improve your play quickly. New to the game? Read the rules.
1. Make points
Two checkers on a point block it for your opponent and keep each other safe. The 5-point and the bar point (7) are the most valuable.
2. Learn the opening moves
3-1 makes your 5-point (8/5 6/5), 4-2 your 4-point (8/4 6/4), 6-1 your bar point (13/7 8/7).
3. Avoid blots where they can be hit
A single checker within six points of an enemy checker is easy to hit. Count the rolls that hit it.
4. Build a prime
Several consecutive points form a wall. Six in a row (a full prime) can't be jumped at all.
5. Hit when it gains you something
Hitting sends a checker back and costs your opponent pips, but leaving your own blots to do it can backfire.
6. Escape your back checkers
The two checkers on your 24-point are the furthest from home. Move them up before your opponent builds a prime in front of them.
7. Count the race
Compare pip counts (shown on kawu). Ahead in the race? Break contact and run. Behind? Keep blocking and hitting.
8. Bear off safely
When your opponent still has a checker that could hit you, bear off from the points that leave no blots.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best opening roll in backgammon?
3-1: move 8/5 and 6/5 to make your 5-point. 4-2 (8/4 6/4) and 6-1 (13/7 8/7) are also excellent.
Last updated 2026-10-18