The backgammon board setup is a pretty simple one.  Sure, it looks a bit strange at first, but it’s really a breeze to figure out.  The first thing most people notice are the large triangles.  These are called points and are what you move your checkers around the board on.  Sometimes different backgammon boards have the points in different colors, but don’t be confused.  Whatever the color, you’re able to move on any point as long as your opponent has not blocked it.

Another backgammon board setup feature that can confuse people is the board itself.  A backgammon board is broken into four sections, twelve points in each section, with a bar separating the board into two halves.  Despite the sections, you can look at the board as one continuous board.  The bar is simply a resting place for checkers and dice and does not obstruct movement.  With the object of backgammon being to get around the board and move your pieces off before your opponent, the only thing prohibiting movement is the numbers your roll and your opponent blocking points.  The sections don’t mean anything.

A great place to become comfortable with the backgammon board setup or any other backgammon issues is online.  You can find free online backgammon sites that allow you to play and learn risk free against a computer or against other online players.  Playing online is the best way to become familiar and confident at backgammon.  You can do it free and from the comfort of your home, so there’s nothing to lose.