Points in Backgammon

Getting to the right points at the right time during the game can give players an advantage over their opponent. Positioning oneself over good points in the beggining of the game is a recommended strategy. Most backgammon game start with players placing their checkers on strategic points. Each player thus has two checkers on each point 24, 5 on each point 13, 5 on each point 6 and 3 on each point 18. As can be seen, the checkers all start out at central points across the board and the player thereafter aims to spread the checkers to more strategic points on the board.

Opening rolls in backgammon are very important, as players try to get their checkers to strategic points fast. By reaching those strategic points, a player gains an edge over his adversary. The five point is considered by backgammon experts as the best strategic point on the board. It is recomended to reach this point early in the game. Remember too, that it should, ideally, be reached with two checkers to create a closed point and avoid being hit.

Closed five point gives players an advantage. With a four result, you can successfully block your opponent from advancing from the one-point. Because of the checkers on the six point, even a throw of five will prevent him from moving forward. If players need to choose between creating a five-point position or any other position, they choose the five-point.

By reaching his five-point before his opponent, one prevent him from doing so. Thus players can create an anchor in his enemy's home board.

There are other points with strategic value that one shoult try an place his checkers in. The 4 point and the 7 point are good points to reach. Not as important, the eight and the three are semi strategic points. Also the nine and the two are good points.