The most complete glossary of backgammon terms
A number associated with each player based on that player's record of performance against other rated players. When you win a match, points are added to your rating; when you lose, points are deducted from your rating. The size of the adjustment depends on the strength of your opponent—the higher the rating of your opponent, the more points you receive. Over time, your rating will tend to be higher than players weaker than yourself, and lower than players stronger than yourself. See: FIBS rating formula.
[As in "go by".] The position of a player in a tournament who advances to the next round without playing a match. Byes are often randomly awarded in the first round of an elimination tournament to make the number of players in the second round an exact power of 2.