Understanding the Elements of a Backgammon Table or Board

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Once used synonymously with the term backgammon board, a backgammon table is now is used more frequently to refer to a small table with a built in backgammon board on the top. However, many mature players still refer to their backgammon board as their table.

A backgammon table, or board, is usually made of wood and, if it isn’t part of an actual table, folds up to hold checkers and dice within. When unfolded and laid out on a surface you will see twenty-four triangular areas of alternated colors around the perimeter of the backgammon table. These areas are known as points and are the places by which you move your checkers around the board.

You will also notice that the board is divided into four quadrants. These quadrants are known as your home board and outer board and, across from them, your opponent's home board and outer board. These quadrants indicate where you start and finish the game and are separated by a ridge down the center. This ridge is called the bar. During the game if you land on a single opponent checker on a point, known as a blot, you send the checker back to the bar, setting back your opponent’s game.

In order to set up the backgammon table the points are numbered from one to twenty-four starting with one in your home board and ending with twenty-four at your opponent’s one point. The initial arrangement of checkers can then be determined and you are ready to play the game!