Opening strategy

Response to the Opening Throw

Learn how to respond to your opponent’s opening throw and choose between attacking, developing and defensive moves.

Advertisement
The opening moves already described generally apply to the second player as well. As second player you will have the added advantage of throwing double, which (with the exception of a double 5) is a good opener.

You do, however, have a number of additional options. The first concerns whether or not you should automatically hit the blot left by your opponent. As a rule of thumb, do not pass up the opportunity of making a good point for the sake of hitting a blot.

For example, your opponent has played a 6 onto his bar point; you throw 6-1. Should you hit his blot with your 6, or take your bar point? Always take your bar point. Similarly your opponent has dropped a man on to his five point. If you throw 1-1, 3-1 or 4-2, take a point. If you throw 2-2 or 4-4, make a point but hit the bar as well.