DMP Opening Moves

I'm going to be looking at replies to opening moves (i.e. the second move of the game) at DMP soon. My approach to memorizing replies will be to identify a "default" move which is right most of the time, then learn and study the exceptions to understand when adjustments need to be made and why. Typically, the default reply will be the same as the best opening move, so I thought I'd throw up a quick post to review the best opening moves (per XG's Opening Book) at DMP.

Here's a diagram of the opening position for visual reference:

is Player 2 score: 0 pip: 167

1 point match

pip: 167 score: 0 is Player 1

XGID=-b----E-C---eE---c-e----B-:0:0:1:00:0:0:0:1:10

on roll, cube action?

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release

DMP openings fall pretty neatly into four categories: 

1) The Pointers: 61, 31, 42, 53

No surprises here. Make the 7, 5, 4, and 3 points, respectively.

2) The Slotters: 51, 41, 21

Play down from the midpoint with the large die; slot the 5pt with the 1.

Note that 51 plays differently than for money, where it is correct to split.

3) The Runners: 65, 64

Run one back checker as far as possible. Note that 64 plays differently than for money, where most players prefer to split.

4) The Splitters: Everything else (i.e. 63, 62, 54, 52, 43, 32)

For 63, 62, and 32, the major split (large die up from the 24pt; small die down from the midpoint) is best.

For 54 and 52 the major split is not possible, so the minor split (large die down from midpoint; small die up from the 24pt) is "forced."

43 is the exception: the major split is possible, but the minor split (13/9 24/21) is best.

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That's all there is to it. In future posts I'll be looking at adjustments that need to be made to these moves if your opponent plays first.

Update: I changed my mind. I had intended to do a post for each responding roll and discuss how it should be played at DMP. I've since realized that it's simpler to use XG to memorize the replies. Just set up a position with Op's opening move, then cycle through the dice and check the evaluation. Easy peasy. Once I get things under my belt, I may post some analysis of replies that are close or interesting, especially once I start contrasting DMP and money play.