how to set up a checkerboard

Set up a checkerboard by placing it so each player has a light square on the right-hand corner, then put 12 pieces for each side on the dark squares of the first three rows closest to them. The middle two rows stay empty, and no pieces go on light squares.

Quick setup

1. Place the board between the two players.
2. Make sure the near-right corner is light for both players.
3. Put 12 pieces on the dark squares in your first three rows.
4. Mirror that on the other side for the second player.
5. Leave the two center rows open.

Easy check

A correct setup has:

• 8 by 8 squares.
• Pieces only on dark squares.
• 12 pieces per player.
• Two empty middle rows.

Common mistake

The most common error is flipping the board the wrong way, which puts the corners backward. A quick way to confirm it is to check that the bottom-right corner is light from each player’s perspective.