Turn the board so that the corner square on each player's left is a dark square. All play happens on the dark squares, so this orientation matters.
How do you set up a checkers board?
Quick answer: Place the board so each player has a dark square on their near left, then set your 12 pieces on the dark squares of the three rows closest to you.
A correct setup takes only a moment once you know the two simple rules about orientation and piece placement.
Orient the board
Place the pieces
Each player fills the dark squares of the three rows nearest to them with their 12 pieces. The two center rows start empty, giving both sides room to advance.
Double check
- 12 pieces per player on dark squares only.
- Two empty rows in the middle.
- Dark square on each player's near left.
Ready to put it into practice?
Start a game and see the setup