Setting up a backgammon board correctly is the first step to playing. This guide walks you through every detail so you’ll never start a game wrong again.
Key Takeaways
- Each player starts with 2 checkers on the 24-point, 5 on the 13-point, 3 on the 8-point, and 5 on the 6-point
- The home board (points 1–6) is conventionally placed to the right of each player
- Both players' setups are mirror images of each other across the board
- The bar runs down the center; hit checkers are placed here and must re-enter before any other move
- The starting pip count for each player is exactly 167 in the standard setup
- Double-check your setup: 5+3+5 checkers on your side (13), 2 on the far point = 15 total
The Board Orientation
Before placing any checkers, orient the board correctly:
- Open the board so it lies flat with the hinges on your left or right
- Position the board so each player sits across from each other
- The home board should be closest to the light source (traditional) or simply agreed upon by both players — usually the quadrant nearest the right-hand side of each player
- The bar runs down the center, dividing each player’s home board from their outer board
The Four Quadrants
| Quadrant | Location | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Your Home Board | Near-right | Points 1–6 |
| Your Outer Board | Far-right | Points 7–12 |
| Opponent’s Outer Board | Far-left | Points 13–18 |
| Opponent’s Home Board | Near-left | Points 19–24 |
Note: Points are always numbered from each player’s perspective. Your 1-point is your opponent’s 24-point.
Checker Placement
Each player has 15 checkers. Place them as follows:
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Place 2 checkers on your 24-point (the farthest point from your home board, in your opponent’s home board area)
Step 2: Place 5 checkers on your 13-point (the first point in your opponent’s outer board)
Step 3: Place 3 checkers on your 8-point (in your outer board)
Step 4: Place 5 checkers on your 6-point (in your home board — also called the “lover’s leap” point)
Quick Reference
| Your Point | Opponent’s Equivalent | Checkers |
|---|---|---|
| 24-point | 1-point | 2 |
| 13-point | 12-point | 5 |
| 8-point | 17-point | 3 |
| 6-point | 19-point | 5 |
Total: 15 checkers per player = 30 checkers on the board
Both players’ setups mirror each other. When you look at the board, you should see an asymmetric but balanced arrangement.
Doubling Cube Placement
The doubling cube starts in the center of the bar (or to the side of the board), showing 64 — which signifies a value of 1 (the cube is “centered”). Neither player owns it initially.
Dice and Cups
Each player keeps their dice and cup on their right-hand side of the board. Dice are always rolled on the right-hand side of the board.
Common Setup Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong Number of Checkers
Always count: 2 + 5 + 3 + 5 = 15 checkers per player. No more, no less.
Mistake 2: Reversed Home Board
The home board should be the quadrant closest to you. If you’re bearing off checkers away from you, the board is oriented backwards.
Mistake 3: 5-Point vs 6-Point Confusion
The five-checker stack goes on the 6-point, not the 5-point. This is the most common setup error.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the 8-Point
The 3 checkers on the 8-point are easy to forget. Without them, you’re starting with an illegal position.
Mistake 5: Doubling Cube Position
The doubling cube should be centered (not owned by either player) at the start. It should display 64.
Direction of Movement
After setup, remember:
- You move your checkers from the 24-point toward the 1-point (into your home board)
- Your opponent moves in the opposite direction (from their perspective, from their 24-point toward their 1-point)
- Checkers never move backward
Frequently Asked Questions
How many checkers does each player start with in backgammon?
Each player starts with 15 checkers, arranged across four positions: 2 on the 24-point, 5 on the 13-point, 3 on the 8-point, and 5 on the 6-point.
Which way does the home board face in backgammon?
By convention, the home board is placed to the right of each player (nearest the light source in traditional play). Both players’ home boards face inward toward each other. The direction can be agreed upon before the game, but the right-side convention is standard.
Are both players’ setups identical in backgammon?
Yes — both setups are mirror images. Your 24-point is your opponent’s 1-point, so the positions are symmetric. Both players always start with a pip count of exactly 167.
What is the bar in backgammon and where is it in the setup?
The bar is the raised center ridge running down the middle of the board, dividing the home and outer boards. No checkers are placed on the bar at setup — it only receives checkers that have been hit during play.
Can I use a checkers set to play backgammon?
Technically yes, but a dedicated backgammon set is much better. Backgammon sets include the board with 24 triangular points (spikes), 30 checkers in two colors, two pairs of dice, a doubling cube, and often dice cups. Checkers sets lack most of these.
Ready to Play?
Now that your board is set up correctly, you’re ready to play! Check out these guides:
- How to Play Backgammon — Complete beginner’s guide
- Backgammon Rules — Official rules reference
- Opening Moves — Best first moves for every roll
- Play vs Computer — Jump right into a game!