Common Backgammon Terms

Common Backgammon Terms

Without a working knowledge of Backgammon terminology, it may prove difficult to understand basic Backgammon rules, Backgammon strategy and other nuances of the game. Much of the pleasure of playing Backgammon online is derived via chat with competitors. If you don’t know the lingo in use, your enjoyment of the game may decline.

These Backgammon terms refer to basic words used in and around the Backgammon room, including Backgammon slang. Backgammon slang words are merely popular terms employed by players. While you don’t need to memorize the entire Backgammon glossary, a working knowledge of Backgammon terminology will help you when you play online backgammon for real money.

Many online casinos post backgammon glossaries on their site. These are intended to help you better understand the game. It will help you understand the Backgammon terminology that is specific on their websites. Review our below Backgammon glossary and you will become a more informed and competent online Backgammon player.

Backgammon Terminology

A
Acay-Deucay
A roll of 1 and 2.
Active Builder
A piece that can be utilized to build a point.
Advanced Anchor
Making a point in the opponent’s home board, generally on the 3, 4 or 5 point.
Anchor
A situation wherein a player has 2 or more checkers on any point in the opposing inner board. Every player starts the game with an Anchor checker in his inner board or on the bar.

B
Back Game
A particular strategy employed when a player who is considerably behind tries to build as many anchors as possible.
Back Man
A player’s furthest out piece.
Bar
The point between the two sides of the Backgammon board where hit checkers rest.
Bar-Point
The seven point.
Bear Off
Any point in the game when a player has all his or her checkers in his inner board. Once a player takes all his checkers off the board, he has won the game.
Bankroll
The total amount of money that any participant has available for wagering.

C
Catchers
A strategy of spreading out your checkers with the hope of trying to hit a blot.
Checker
Any one of your 15 pieces.
Close a Point
Making a point.
Combination Shot
A blot more than six points away, which requires the employment of both dice in order to be hit.
Control a Point
Having more than two checkers on a point.

D
Direct Hit
Any number from 1 to 6, which results in a hit.

E
End Game
That part of the game in which bearing off commences.

F
Forward Game
A strategy in which you try to get all your pieces home as quickly as possible, with little regard for defensive manoeuvres.

G
Gammon
Winning the game before your opponent has borne off a single piece of yours.

H
Heavy Point
A made point which has more than three pieces on it.
Hit
A landing on a point where a blot is located, thus removing the blot from the board.
Hit and Cover
Making a point and hitting a blot on the same turn.

M
Make a Point
Putting two checkers on the same point in order to secure it.

O
On the Bar
A place where your piece will be placed after it has been hit.

S
Suicide Play
A strategy in which you deliberately leave a blot with the intention of it being hit.