The best opening move for 5-3 in backgammon is 8/3 6/3. Makes the 3-point. Watch it on the board, then read the idea behind it.
The idea behind the move
With 5-3 play 8/3 6/3: two checkers land on the 3-point. It is not as valuable as the 5- or 4-point, but it is a point in your home board with no risk at all, and it gets in your opponent’s way.
What comes next
Carry on with the 5- or 4-point. The checkers on the 13-point get ready to come down, and your two back checkers stay 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.