The Golden Point in Backgammon
Hello backgammon fans! Marc Olsen here. In this post, we're diving deep into a fundamental concept: the Golden Point. If you're wondering what exactly the Golden Point is, you're in the right place. The term was famously coined by the legendary Paul Magriel in his seminal 1976 book, Backgammon.
While modern backgammon theory has evolved significantly since 1976, Magriel's book remains a cornerstone for understanding the game's history and foundational strategies. It's incredible how sophisticated Magriel's understanding was in the '70s, developed through manual analysis and extensive play. His insights were brilliant, comparable even to today's top players. And it was Magriel who introduced us to the critical idea of "the Golden Point."The Golden Point on the Board
The Golden Point is a strategically vital concept in backgammon concerning two specific points on the board: the five point and the twenty point. These points are mirrors of each other from each player's perspective:
Your opponent's 5-point is your 20-point.
Your 5-point is your opponent's 20-point.
Controlling these points, often referred to collectively as the "golden points," offers significant strategic advantages.
My five point = your twenty point
Your five point = my twenty point
Why Secure an Anchor on the Golden Point?
Establishing an anchor on your opponent's five point (your golden point) provides several powerful advantages:
1. Hinders Priming: An anchor on the golden point makes it very difficult for your opponent to build an effective prime against you. While they might attempt an 'outfield prime' (a prime built further away from their home board), it generally lacks the strength to contain your anchored checker effectively. This anchor significantly disrupts their priming game plan.
Establishing an anchor on the golden point
2. Provides Blitz Protection: The golden point anchor acts as a crucial safe haven against a blitz. Even if your opponent hits other checkers and starts closing points in their home board, having the golden point ensures you can always re-enter the game on a roll of 5. This prevents a complete close-out and helps you weather the storm – the golden point anchor provides a vital re-entry point.
The golden point becoming my safe point against a blitz
3. Boosts Racing Leads: When you are ahead in the race, the golden point anchor is particularly valuable. It positions your checker perfectly to utilize good rolls, especially large doubles. When you roll a significant number, you can often use the anchored checker to escape towards your side of the board, sometimes moving all the way from the 20-point into the outfield or even home, solidifying your racing advantage.
My best strategy against your roll (1-4), to fight for the golden point.
This aggressive approach comes from the importance of the golden point. I'm essentially battling to secure this prime position. While your hit might occur slightly more than half the time, the odds are still close to 50-50.Sample Scenarios with the Golden Point Advantage
Imagine a scenario where you roll a 3-1 and miss your hit. In this case, you'd likely play your three and hit loose with your ace. My position is now strategically advantageous, allowing flexibility in my future moves. With the five point primed and ready for completion, I can enter and complete the five point in my next turn. I might even choose to hit you and continue pursuing my aggressive strategy.
The advantageous position I have thanks to the golden point
In essence, the golden points, the five and the twenty point, hold utmost importance in the game of backgammon. I need to say that many beginners often consider the bar point or the seven point as the most critical ones. However, this is not correct. For instance, let's explore the scenario where I start with a 2-1 opening roll. Playing a 2 and a 1, I'd choose to split my back checkers using the aces. 
Now, if you roll something like 5-2, a roll that doesn't offer much advantage, you'd also choose to split and bring a checker down while building on the eight point.
Now, let's imagine that I roll a 6-1. Interestingly, many players, especially beginners or those less experienced, might choose to build the seven point, assuming it's the most crucial. However, the real center of importance is the golden point. In this situation, constructing the golden point is a much wiser move. Why? Because the golden point serves as both a priming point and an inner point. 
The golden point as a priming and an inner point
Ranking Other Strategic Points
While the golden point (5-point) is paramount, how do other key points compare? Here's a general hierarchy of importance for making points early in the game:
1. The Five Point (Golden Point): As discussed, top priority due to its role in priming, inner board defense, and blitz attacks.
2. The Four Point: Also highly valuable as both an inner board point and a priming point, making it generally more important than the seven point.
3. The Seven Point (Bar Point): An excellent priming point that helps build a block, but lacks the inner board advantage. Generally considered more valuable than the three point for establishing structure.
4. The Three Point: An inner board point helpful for defense and blitzes, but often less critical for initial prime building compared to the seven point. (The relative value of the 7-pt vs 3-pt can shift depending on the specific game situation).
Comparing Anchor Points
The golden point principle also applies to anchors. An anchor on the golden point (20-point) is typically much stronger than an anchor on the 21-point (your opponent's 4-point). Why? The golden point anchor offers a better balance between safety (re-entry) and escape potential. Deeper anchors (on the 21, 22, or 23 points) become progressively harder to free as the game develops and your opponent builds blocking points. Limited escape routes and increased blocking make these deeper anchors less flexible than the golden point.
Conclusion: Master the Golden Point
Understanding and prioritizing the golden point – both making your own five point and anchoring on your opponent's five point (your 20-point) – is fundamental to strong backgammon play. It influences opening strategy, defensive tactics, and racing efficiency. While other points have their roles, recognizing the supreme importance of the golden point will significantly elevate your game.