Backgammon Starting Positions

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The backgammon starting positions are laid down in the rules of this ancient board game. To understand these backgammon starting positions, or if you prefer, the game layout, consider the appearance of the backgammon board. The board is divided into twenty-four narrow triangular shaped points, and these points are grouped into six equal sections, or segments. A bar, or a narrow ledge divides the board into two, with each half containing home and outer areas for both the players. Now with the image of the backgammon board before us, the opening arrangement of the checkers is understandable.

Each player is given fifteen checkers. For the sake of the explanation, lets refer to these players as Player A and Player B. Player A places two checkers on player B’s first point, and player B places two checkers on player A’s first point. Both player A and B place five checkers on a central point, and three checkers they position on their eighth point. Player A and player B then put the last of their five checkers on their sixth point.

The first few times the novice player arranges these backgammon starting positions, they may wish to refer to a map illustrating the opening positions. Such maps are found in most books explaining how to play backgammon, and they are also available on many online sites.

After the backgammon starting positions have been set up a few times, it becomes second nature and players could probably arrange the backgammon pieces with their eyes closed. For those who opt to play Internet backgammon, there is no need to give any thought to the layout of the game since the software automatically sets out the backgammon board at the commencement of each game.