There are only a finite number of opening moves in backgammon and so it is pretty easy to remember good moves for all of them. Many novice players automatically believe that doubles are good in backgammon and as a rule they are as the number on the dice is doubled. This is great if the game turns into a race when your opening doubles are 6-6, 5-5 or 4-4. Moving 24, 20 or 16 pips is a huge advantage and some players double after starting with such a throw although the double four move is more marginal.
Throwing 6-6 at the start of the game is considered a great throw as you shoot ahead in any race. Being able to throw 24 pips in one go is a huge move and a good opening move with these dice is to make both of your bar points. This means to move two men from your one point to seven point and from the twelve point to the bar point. This is a good strategic move as it prevents your opponent from safely moving into his inner board and also makes it more difficult for your opponent to move out of your inner board.
Double 5 is not a throw I overly like as your options are limited but being able to move 20 pips have some sort of strategic advantage. The common play with this move is to take two men and move them from blacks twelve point to your three point in your inner board. This makes a useful point in your inner board and gets you a good lead in the pip count.
