There’s a strange kind of satisfaction in setting up a backgammon board just right. I’ve seen it in pubs in Prague, rooftop cafés in Istanbul, and once—rather spectacularly—atop a camel saddle in the Moroccan dunes. The board opens like a secret being revealed. Checkers slide into place with the weight of ritual. And if you’re anything like I was when I started, you’ll second-guess which point gets the five-stack every single time.
That’s why we’re here.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set up a backgammon board properly—every checker, every die, every direction. Whether you’re dusting off an inherited set or unboxing a new one with that intoxicating fresh-wood smell, let’s make sure you never have to ask, “Wait, does the doubling cube go in the middle?” again.
Equipment Overview: What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Let’s not assume too much. If you’ve just picked up a backgammon set, here’s what should be staring back at you:
- The Board: It folds open like a book, revealing two halves. Each half has 12 long triangles, called points, alternating in color. That’s 24 points total, numbered 1 to 24 in each direction.
- 30 Checkers (also called men or pieces): 15 of one color, 15 of another. Usually black and white, or red and cream. Make sure you have all 30.
- Two Pairs of Dice: One pair for each player. Don’t mix them—fairness and all that.
- A Doubling Cube: Not your average die. It’s a cube marked with 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. I’ll explain how to set it aside properly—even if you’re not using it yet.
- Dice Cups (optional but traditional): They add a satisfying thud to every roll and prevent sneaky hands from manipulating fate.
Got all that? Great. Now, let’s breathe life into the board.
How to Set Up a Backgammon Board (Step-by-Step)
Setting up backgammon isn’t just functional—it’s theatrical. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Orientation Matters
Place the board between you and your opponent. Your home board (where you bear off checkers) should be on your right-hand side. That means the 1-point is in your far right quadrant.
Trust me—people mess this up more than they’d like to admit. When the board’s flipped, all the strategy and dice timing get turned around.
Step 2: Checker Placement (Classic Setup)
Let’s go piece by piece for each player. You’re both mirroring each other, but from opposite sides.
Each player places their 15 checkers as follows:
- 2 checkers on the opponent’s 24-point
(your farthest point; they must travel the full board to reach home) - 5 checkers on your 13-point
(midway across; this often becomes a battle zone) - 3 checkers on your 8-point
(your outer board—used for blocking or anchoring) - 5 checkers on your 6-point
(this is inside your home board, closest to bearing off)
Think of it this way: 2-5-3-5. It’s a rhythm. Like a heartbeat.
To visualize: if you’re playing white, your white checkers on your side go:
- 5 on point 6
- 3 on point 8
- 5 on point 13
- 2 on point 24 (on the opponent’s side)
Your opponent mirrors you with their color.
Step 3: Dice and Cube Placement
Each player takes a pair of dice and a cup. Set your dice off to the side or hold them in your cup if you’re feeling fancy.
Place the doubling cube off to the side of the board. It starts at 64 or blank if unused. It’s only brought into play when a player wants to raise the stakes.
I like to keep it centered between both players—neutral territory. If someone takes control of it, it’ll move in front of them.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Ah, the classic errors. I’ve seen them all. Even committed a few myself back in the smoky cafés of my youth. Let’s save you the trouble.
❌ The Board Is Flipped
This is by far the most common. If your home board is on the left, stop everything and rotate the board 180 degrees. Your 1-point must be in the far-right corner of your side.
❌ Checkers in the Wrong Spot
Remember that 2-5-3-5 rhythm. New players sometimes put five on the 8-point and three on the 13-point—easily done. Double-check every time you set up.
❌ Doubling Cube Used Incorrectly
If you’re not playing with stakes, it’s fine to ignore it. But if you are, remember: the cube starts off the board, not in the middle like a fifth die. Only introduce it when a player offers a double.
Tips for Remembering the Setup (Samuel’s Secrets)
Want to look like a seasoned player who sets up effortlessly while sipping coffee? These tricks will help:
🧠 The “2-5-3-5” Mnemonic
I said it earlier, but it bears repeating. The number of checkers per point goes:
2 on 24, 5 on 13, 3 on 8, 5 on 6.
Practice saying it under your breath while placing pieces. I still do.
🔄 Mirror Trick
Your setup is your opponent’s setup in reverse. Once you finish placing your checkers, look across the board. Their pieces should mirror yours exactly. If something looks off—it probably is.
🎯 Play Dummy Rounds
Before you play a full game, just practice setting up and bearing off a few times. Turn it into muscle memory. I once did this 20 times in a row during a rainy afternoon in Crete. Got it locked in ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which side of the board is the home board?
Your home board is always the right quadrant closest to you. It’s where you bear off your checkers.
What do the point numbers mean?
They’re used to describe where pieces are and how far they are from home. Your 24-point is your farthest point; your 1-point is your closest.
What’s the doubling cube for?
It allows players to raise the stakes. When offered, the other player can accept and play for double or decline and forfeit the game.
Do both players use the same checkers?
No. Each player gets 15 checkers of their own color.
How do I know if the board is positioned correctly?
Sit down and look for your home board on your right. The bottom-right corner is your 1-point.
Can I start playing without using the doubling cube?
Absolutely. Many casual games skip it. But once you start getting competitive, it becomes a strategic element.
What’s the best way to learn the setup fast?
Practice. Do nothing but setup and cleanup for a few rounds while watching a video or listening to jazz. It sinks in.
Conclusion: The Ritual Before the Game
I’ve always loved this part of the game—the stillness before the clash. Setting up your backgammon board is like preparing a battlefield and a dance floor at the same time. It’s precise, yet personal. A game that’s been played for over 5,000 years deserves that kind of reverence, don’t you think?
Once you’ve got the setup down, the rest of the game opens up to you like a winding story—filled with bold moves, surprise comebacks, and the kind of drama that dice seem to love conjuring.
So take your time. Set it right. And may your checkers always find their way home. Also, seeing the setup repeatedly in real games is one of the fastest ways to remember it.
—Samuel