Who goes first in Backgammon?
USBGF Backgammon Basics · standard two-player game (English)
Each player rolls one die. Whoever rolls the higher number takes the first turn, using both numbers from that opening roll without rolling again.
Official tie-break or fallback
If the opening dice match, both players roll again until their numbers differ.
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
After the opening turn, the players alternate turns and each rolls two dice. The opening turn cannot be doubles because matching opening numbers are rerolled.
The optional automatic-doubles rule changes the stake when the opening dice match; it does not choose a starter. The source says players commonly agree to a maximum of one automatic double per game.
The source excludes automatic doubles, beavers and the Jacoby rule from match play.
Source & edition
- Backgammon Basics: How To PlayU.S. Backgammon Federation, USBGF Education Team · Standard setup; Movement of the Checkers (opening paragraph); Optional Rules (Automatic doubles); Common Questions: Who goes first?, automatic doubles discussion, and What is match play? · Checked 2026-09-26
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