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Set Up Instructions for Backgammon

Backgammon, with roots in ancient Babylonia and Sumeria, is one of the oldest games still played. The rules, layout and setup of backgammon haven't always been the same, of course, but the game's progression has been tracked through archaeological findings and research of other cultural artifacts. The version played in contemporary nations around the world rose to popularity in the U.S. in the early 20th century.

The Pieces
- The pieces involved in backgammon are fairly simple. There need to be 15 tokens in two different colors, usually red and black or white and black. The 30 tokens (sometimes referred to as pieces, markers, checkers or tiles) could be stone, wood, metal or plastic. A pair of dice is also necessary, and traditional backgammon sets will include a second pair of dice and two dice cups for rolling the dice.
The Board
- A backgammon board is a rectangle, with one dimension usually twice as long as the other. Twelve elongated triangles are painted on each long side of the board. These triangles are painted in two alternating colors--usually the same colors as the pieces accompanying the set--and they mark where the backgammon pieces might rest on the board. Backgammon boards almost always fold in the middle, and the divider between the halves is sometimes used to store captured pieces until they are able to move free.
The Placement
- The layout of a backgammon board is a recognizable pattern because of its popularity as a game for both adults and children, but the placement of backgammon pieces is less well known. The setup of pieces in backgammon is the exact same for both opponents--the layout of each players' pieces mirrors the other.
  
  Arrange the board so it is between you and your opponent, with a long edge facing each of you. The farthest triangle to the right on the edge facing you should be of the opposing color to your pieces. Place two tokens flat on the board on that triangle, one above the other. Your opponent should mirror you, which means his/her first two tokens will be placed on the farthest triangle to his left. These tokens have the farthest to travel around the horseshoe track of the board. Next, place five of your tokens on the triangle farthest to your left. Your opponent should place five tokens on the triangle farthest to her right. Next you will place tokens on the side of the board facing your opponent. Three tokens should be placed on the fifth triangle from the left, and five tokens should be placed on the seventh triangle from the left, as you look at it. Again, your opponent should mirror your setup, making it the fifth and seventh triangle from the right for him.

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