Set up the board with 15 checkers per player
Place all checkers on the starting points according to the standard setup
Roll one die each to decide who goes first; higher roll starts and uses both dice
Move checkers only along your assigned direction around the board
Use each die value to move a checker that many points
Move only to open points, points with your own checkers, or points with one opponent checker
Hit an opponent blot by landing on a point with exactly one opponent checker
Place hit checkers on the bar
Re-enter checkers from the bar before making other moves
Roll both dice each turn and use both if possible
Use one checker for both dice or two different checkers, as allowed
If only one die can be used, use the higher die if possible
If neither die can be used, pass the turn
Bring all your checkers into your home board before bearing off
Bear off by rolling exact numbers or by using higher numbers when no checkers are behind
Remove all 15 checkers from the board first to win
Win a gammon if your opponent bears off none of their checkers
Win a backgammon if your opponent has checkers on the bar or in your home board when you finish