Anyone know of any resource that lists common first/second roll positions where one should take the free drop? I mean i suppose I could memorize equities and who's the favorite, but it would be nice if it were conveniently listed somewhere...

No, I haven't seen this, but I have played around with my bot to get a feel for it, and while there are a gazillion different positions they are reasonably simple to categorize.

Some guidelines (assuming 1-away, 2-away)

1. After winning the opening roll it is always a take (4-1 may or may not be a very marginal pass. For some reason, that I don't understand 2-1 is actually a better opening roll in double match point).
2. If your opponent opens with an average roll you need an above average roll to have a take (say your opponent opens with 4-1 and plays 13/9 24/23, you need to hit the blot or make a point).
3. If your opponent opens with an above average roll you need a really strong roll to have a take (if your opponent rolls 31, 61, 42 or 65 you need to roll a double).
4. If your opponent splits to your barpoint then hitting loose there is not enough to give you a take.


At 1-away, 4-away and beyond you can take looser the further you are ahead (because if you are only marginally behind it is better to save your free drop for a sitauation where your opponent gets a bigger advantage), but be careful not overdoing this.

I think 2-1 is a slightly better opening roll than 4-1.

And I would think that 5-1 is the worst opening roll. I'd prefer 4-1 to 5-1 anytime. 5-1 is just plain bad.

Forgot about 5-1. Is pretty marginal as well.

Hi,

in his book improving your backgammon Paul Lamford devotes a section on this situation.

When the leader wins the opening roll, any roll except 41 or 21 gives him a correct take (since these two moves make him a slight underdog).

Well, he's wrong about 21, which is a relatively clear take (if you play it right and slot).