You can increase your odds of winning by following a few base rules. When you memorize the best backgammon opening moves, and follow them, you statistically have a greater chance of winning.

There are three dice outcomes that you should follow with precise plays. Research suggests that when you roll a 3-1, 6-1, 4-2 and 6-5 the correct moves are:

A 3-1 Make your five point

A 6 -1 you make your 7 point (bar point)

A 4 -2 -you make your 4 point

6-5  run a back checker all the way

It’s also advisable to make the 3 point with an opening of 5-3.

For other openings there are many variations in what your strategy should be. Following are some suggestions based on experience from top Backgammon players

2 - 1 Split your back checkers (24-23) and bring one checker down (13-11). 

4 - 1 Split the back checker and bring one checker down (24-23, 13-9), but you can also bring one down and slot your 5 point

4 - 3 This move has the most possible variations, but it is generally agreed, to move up 3 off your back point (24-21) and bring down the 4 (13-9).

5 - 1 Split the back checker and bring one checker down (24-23, 13-8). When a gammon win is a major plus, you might bring one down and slot your 5-point on the next move (13-8, 6-5).

5 - 2 There are two plays: take a back checker 2 (24-22), and bring one down (13-8), or bring two checkers down (13-8, 13-11)

5 – 4 Again there are two options: you can move a back checker up (24-20) and bring one down (13-8), or two down from the midpoint (13-8, 13-9)

6 - 2 You can run all the way, or you can run to the bar and bring one checker down

6 - 3 Run a checker all the way off your 24 point, or run to your opponent's bar and take one down from your midpoint.

6 - 4 There are 3 plays: you can run a back checker all the way out to your 14 point; You can make your two point; you can run a back checker to your opponent's bar (24-18), and bring down one checker off your midpoint (13-9).

6 - 5 one option; run a back checker.

Although these rules will increase your chances of winning, mastery of the game requires consistency in practice. Online Backgammon Games can help you improve your skills quickly in a challenging environment and you can win prizes of up to $50,000; some sites offer a wide selection of tournaments with cash prize pools or ample sign up bonuses.