First roll

How it works in play

Each player rolls one die and the higher number moves first, playing both numbers. That is why the opening move can never be a double, and why there are exactly fifteen possible opening rolls, each with its own best play.

Related terms

• Roll — The two dice numbers thrown on a turn.
• Doubles — Rolling the same number on both dice (e.g. 4-4); the number is played four times.
• Automatic double — Money play only: a tied opening roll doubles the cube to 2.
• Lover’s leap — Running a back checker 24/13 with an opening 6-5.

Go deeper

• Rules: starting the game
• The 15 opening rolls
• Backgammon strategy, from first roll to bear-off

In other languages

• العربيةالرمية الأولى (First roll)
• ΕλληνικάΑρχική ζαριά (first roll)
• فارسیتاس نخست (First roll)
• עבריתהטלת הפתיחה (First roll)
• РусскийСтартовый бросок (first roll)
• TürkçeAçılış zarı