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Get out an 8 by 8in (20 by 20cm) checkered board and discs. Othello includes 64 discs, which are black on one side and white on the other. You can use a chess or checkers board if you do not have an Othello board. One player plays discs black side up and the other plays white side up. The less experienced player should play the black pieces because black goes first and this provides an advantage. However, if you are both at the same level, then flip a coin to see who will play black. Place 4 discs in the center of the board so that 2 are black side up and 2 are white side up. Arrange the discs with the matching colors diagonal to each other. Distribute the remaining discs evenly between you and your opponent. Each player should have 30 of the remaining discs. If you and your opponent are at the same level, then you do not need to place any additional pieces on the board. However, to level the playing field between an experienced and inexperienced player, start with more discs turned in the inexperienced player's favor that cannot be flipped over, such as in the corners of the board. In other words, set up the board as usual, but place 1 of the inexperienced player's discs into each corner of the board to give them a 4 point lead. These discs cannot be flipped over, so it will make for a fairer game. Do not place any additional pieces on the board beyond the ones you add to give the inexperienced player an advantage.

Summary:
Get the game board and 64 black and white discs. Place 2 black and 2 white discs at the center of the board. Set up the board to give the inexperienced player the advantage.