Understanding the Shesh Besh Board: More Than Just Wood and Stones

If you've ever encountered a beautiful wooden board with intricately carved points and a set of checkers, you've likely seen a Shesh Besh board. Known internationally as backgammon, this ancient game of skill and chance is beloved by millions. At its heart, the game hinges on a correct and intuitive setup of the board. Knowing how to properly achieve the shesh besh set up is the first crucial step to engaging in a game, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer.

The shesh besh set up isn't arbitrary; it follows a precise arrangement designed to create a fair and balanced starting position for both players. This setup dictates where each player's checkers (or stones) begin their journey around the board, influencing early game strategies and the flow of play. We'll dive deep into the mechanics of this setup, ensuring you can confidently prepare your board for every exciting match. This guide aims to be the definitive resource for understanding and executing the shesh besh set up, covering common misconceptions and providing clear, actionable steps.

The Anatomy of a Shesh Besh Board

Before we get to the actual shesh besh set up, let's familiarize ourselves with the components of the backgammon board. A standard board is divided into four quadrants, known as "sections" or "dices." Each section contains six "points," which are triangular in shape. The points are numbered 1 through 24. Player A typically plays counter-clockwise from point 24 down to point 1, while Player B plays counter-clockwise from point 1 up to point 24. The board is bisected by a ridge called the "bar."

Each player has 15 checkers of a distinct color (e.g., white and black, or red and white). The game also includes two dice and a doubling cube (though the doubling cube is often optional for casual play). The points are numbered for reference, but for the basic shesh besh set up, understanding the pattern of points is more important than memorizing numbers.

The Standard Shesh Besh Set Up: Step-by-Step

Achieving the correct shesh besh set up is straightforward once you understand the symmetrical nature of the starting positions. Each player's setup mirrors the other's, just in reverse orientation on the board. Let's break down the placement for one player, and you can then mirror it for your opponent.

For Player 1 (often playing with lighter colored checkers, moving from right to left across the board's width):

1. Two checkers are placed on your opponent's 2-point (this is the point furthest away from you on the right side of the board).
2. Five checkers are placed on your 4-point (the fourth point from your right).
3. Three checkers are placed on your 5-point (the fifth point from your right).
4. Five checkers are placed on your 13-point (the midpoint of the board, on your side).

For Player 2 (often playing with darker colored checkers, moving from left to right across the board's width):

Player 2's setup is a mirror image, played from their perspective. Imagine Player 2 is facing Player 1. Their checkers will be placed on the corresponding points relative to their starting position. If Player 1 starts on the right side of the board, Player 2 starts on the left side. Therefore:

1. Two checkers are placed on their opponent's 2-point (which is Player 1's 24-point, but from Player 2's perspective, it's their '2-point' on their far left).
2. Five checkers are placed on their 4-point (their fourth point from their left).
3. Three checkers are placed on their 5-point (their fifth point from their left).
4. Five checkers are placed on their 13-point (the midpoint of the board, on their side).

Visualizing the Shesh Besh Set Up:

A common way to visualize this is to divide the board in half horizontally with the bar. The two players occupy opposite halves. Each player has 6 points in their home board and 6 points in their outer board. The setup distributes checkers across these points.

• The Farthest Points: Two checkers start on the points furthest from their own home board. These are the points that are strategically most challenging to reach and defend.
• The Inner Rim: Five checkers are placed on the point closest to the bar in their outer board (the 4-point).
• The Edge: Three checkers are placed on the point adjacent to that (the 5-point).
• The Home Stretch: The remaining five checkers are placed on the point closest to their own home board, just before the bar (the 13-point, or the midpoint).

This distribution ensures that both players have pieces in a position to attack, defend, and block from the very start of the game. The shesh besh set up creates an immediate tension and a need for strategic movement from the first roll of the dice.

Why This Specific Backgammon Shesh Besh Setup?

The standard shesh besh set up is not just a tradition; it's a carefully engineered starting position that promotes dynamic gameplay. Let's explore the strategic implications:

• Early Blocking Opportunities: With checkers on the 5-point and 4-point (relative to the starting player), it's possible to quickly establish blocks against an opponent's advancing checkers, especially if they roll low numbers.
• Attacking Potential: The checkers on the 13-point (midpoint) are well-positioned to move towards the opponent's home board or to intercept opponent checkers.
• Vulnerability and Defense: The two checkers on the opponent's 2-point are the most vulnerable. They are the furthest from home and represent an immediate target for the opponent. However, they also serve as a strong defensive anchor if your opponent tries to advance too quickly.
• Balance: The setup ensures that neither player has an inherent advantage at the start. The symmetrical nature of the backgammon shesh besh setup means that the game's outcome is determined by skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, rather than a flawed starting position.

Common Mistakes in Shesh Besh Set Up

Even with clear instructions, new players sometimes make mistakes when setting up the shesh besh board. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

• Incorrect Point Placement: Misunderstanding which points are which, especially when trying to mirror the opponent's setup. Always refer to your own perspective.
• Incorrect Number of Checkers: Forgetting to place the correct quantity of checkers on each point (2, 5, 3, 5). This is a very common oversight.
• Mirroring Errors: Confusing your 'right' and 'left' with your opponent's, leading to checkers being placed on the wrong side of the board entirely.
• Bar Placement: Accidentally placing checkers on the bar initially, or using the bar as a playing point (the bar is only for checkers that have been hit).

Tip: If you're unsure, take a moment to draw a diagram of the board from your perspective and label the points 1 through 24. Then, cross-reference with the setup instructions. It's also helpful to have a quick reference image or diagram nearby when you're first learning.

Variations in Backgammon Setup

While the described setup is the universally accepted standard for modern backgammon, you might encounter minor variations or discuss different strategic starting points in advanced discussions. However, for playing any standard game of backgammon, the shesh besh set up detailed above is the one to use.

Some players might experiment with different starting positions for casual play or practice drills, but these are not standard. When you see 'shesh besh board' or 'backgammon shesh besh,' it almost invariably refers to this specific arrangement. The power of the game lies in its consistent starting conditions, allowing players to develop and refine strategies based on known variables.

The Double Cube and its Role

While not directly part of the shesh besh set up, the doubling cube is an integral part of competitive backgammon. It's usually placed on the bar. The doubling cube starts with the number '64' visible and is used to increase the stakes of the game. A player can offer to double the stakes of the game by turning the cube to '2' and offering it to their opponent. If the opponent accepts the double, they take possession of the cube, and the stakes are now worth 2 points instead of 1. The opponent can then redouble to 4, and so on. The doubling cube adds a psychological and strategic layer, but the initial shesh besh set up remains the foundation for all such strategic decisions.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered About Shesh Besh Set Up

Q1: What is the 'bar' in a Shesh Besh board? A1: The bar is the raised divider in the middle of the board that separates the two players' sides. It's where checkers go when they are hit by an opponent. They must be re-entered into the opponent's home board before play can resume normally.

Q2: Can I set up the Shesh Besh board differently for my games? A2: For standard backgammon, no. The specific shesh besh set up is crucial for fairness and competitive balance. While you could invent your own rules for a casual game, the standard setup is what most people understand and expect.

Q3: How do I know which points are mine and which are my opponent's? A3: Each player has a "home board" (the section closest to them) and an "outer board." The points are numbered 1-24. Player 1 typically plays from right to left on the board's width, and Player 2 plays from left to right. The setup ensures symmetry from each player's perspective.

**Q4: What are the 'checkers' called in Shesh Besh? **A4: They are most commonly called 'checkers' or 'stones.' In some regions or contexts, you might hear them referred to by other names, but 'checkers' is the most universal term.

Conclusion: Mastering the First Move

Understanding and correctly executing the shesh besh set up is your gateway to enjoying the strategic depth and excitement of backgammon. It’s more than just placing pieces; it’s about understanding the foundational balance that makes the game so enduring. By following the steps outlined, you can ensure your board is always ready for a fair and challenging game. Whether you're playing with friends or preparing for a tournament, a perfect shesh besh set up means you can focus on what truly matters: strategy, skill, and the thrill of the game. Now that you know how to set up, it's time to roll the dice and make your moves!