Each player has fifteen checkers of one color. The board has twenty-four narrow triangles called points, grouped into four quadrants. Players move checkers according to two dice rolls, may hit a lone opponent checker (a blot), and must use all possible moves. The first player to remove all checkers from the board wins.

Early in the game, try to build strong points in your home board and on the opponent's side. Avoid leaving blots when possible, especially if your opponent has a strong board. Use the doubling cube to raise the stakes when you have a clear advantage, and adjust your bearing-off plan to maximize safe moves.