Posted in | 
24/23 13/11 Play for the Two-One Opening Roll
One really very interesting opening roll in backgammon is the two-one opening roll. Lots of players have spoken out their mind and have given various opinions regarding the correct play for this opening roll. We'll take a look at the 24/23 13/11 play for this opening roll and see what it can offer strategically in a game of backgammon.
There have been a lot of different recommendations throughout the years but the 24/23 13/11 play for the two-one opening roll has clearly become a favorite among many backgammon players. The second favorite play for this opening roll is doing a 13/11 6/5 play. There is a significant lead in the votes in favor of the 24/23 13/11 but the opinion of the majority of backgammon players can be changed.
The 13/11 6/5 play uses a part of the strategy used in a 24/23 13/11 play for this opening roll. Both plays incorporate a 13/11 move that brings a builder down from the mid-point. This is a great move in backgammon any day.
When you have a blot on your 11-point that point is virtually safe. This position is regarded as safe in backgammon since your opponent can only hit that checker with a roll of six-four, pretty good odds for that backgammon checker.
The difference lies in the other checker play for this opening roll. A 24/23 13/11 play splits your checkers while the 13/11 6/5 play slots the five-point on your side of the backgammon board. The slotting action in the 13/11 6/5 play is a very daring move since your five-point is also deemed important by your opponent.
You can very well expect that your opponent will hit that checker if given the chance. You should be up for a fight once you slot a five-point on either side of the backgammon board.
The splitting play when you do a 24/23 13/11 balances the development of your checkers. It is not as daring as the slotting action in the other play but this move is considered a better option by most backgammon players of today. But as mentioned earlier, the consensus has been seen to change through the years.
By doing a 24/23 13/11 opening play in backgammon, you gain at least two positional advantages. You now have improved coverage of your opponent's side of the backgammon board and you are vying for an advanced anchor.
The 24/23 13/11 opening play is a current favorite among backgammon players nowadays. The strategic advantages from this play gives makes it a clear favorite among many backgammon players.