The best opening move for 5-2 in backgammon is 13/8 13/11. Two builders, little risk. Watch it on the board, then read the idea behind it.
The idea behind the move
With 5-2 play 13/8 13/11: one checker steps safely to the 8-point and another comes down to the 11-point as a builder.
What comes next
The risk is small: only a few of your opponent’s rolls hit the checker on the 11-point. Your back checkers stay quietly on the 24-point.
How to read the move
A move like 24/18 means one checker goes from your 24-point to your 18-point. Points are counted from your side: 24 is the farthest, 1 is the deepest in your home board. “(2)” after a move means you play it with two checkers.