The 24/20 13/10 Backgammon Opening Play
The four-three opening roll is a very interesting opening roll in backgammon. There are several ways to play this opening roll. What's more interesting is that among the favorite plays, there is not a play that is clearly the most favored among backgammon players.
One approach, among other options for this backgammon opening roll, is to develop both sides of the board. This may well be considered a balanced approach to this opening roll in backgammon. One of the plays that advocate a balanced approach is the 24/20 13/10 play. In fact, this is so far the current favorite play for the four-three opening roll. Let's check out what a 24/20 13/10 play can open up for us during a backgammon game.
A really fast way to take control of a strategic position on the backgammon board is to slot that point. If you do a 24/20 13/10 in the opening roll, the 24/20 serves that purpose. The 20-point on the backgammon board is key point on the board and is very crucial at times. Your 20-point on the backgammon board is your opponent's five-point.
By doing 24/20 13/10 in the opening roll you are already about to lay claim to this strategic position. From this point on the backgammon board you have every opposing checker within range. Any of your opponent's checker that lands on the outfield can be hit if you position you backgammon checkers on the 20-point.
The tough part about doing this in the opening roll of a backgammon game is that the 20-point is just as important to you as it is for your opponent. Since that is the case, your opponent will not have any second thoughts about hitting your blot when you do a 24/20 13/10.
Your opponent needs this point as much as you do, so expect a struggle to come along when you do a 24/20 13/10. The fall back regarding this play, is that if your opponent hits that blot on the 20-point you can easily enter from the bar and perhaps hit right back. Hitting back hurts your opponent more that it hurts you since the opposing checker will be sent 20 pips back while you can enter with only one dice roll.
Your blot on the 10-point is quite safe. There are only three combinations using two dice that can hit this blot. With this builder you can make points on your home board on your next turn. You also have good coverage of your side of the backgammon board.
Doing a 24/20 13/10 in the opening roll is a balanced approach in backgammon. It is aggressive and poses good threats early in the game.
