“D” Backgammon Terms

The roll of 2-2 on the dice (double 2's).

A tournament format in which a competitor continues playing until he has lost twice.  Compare: Single Elimination.

Gammon.

To hit two opposing blots on one turn.

To offer a double which should be properly accepted. Opposite of double out.

Potential for awkward rolls both next turn and the turn after.

A match in which both players need just one more point (4) to win.

A game in which the doubling cube has reached a high enough level that a win by either player also wins the match.

To offer a double which should be properly dropped, thus taking your opponent out of the game. Same as cashing a game. Opposite of double in.

Doubling cube.

Two thrown dice with identical numbers on their upper faces.

One blot which can be directly hit two different ways, or two blots each of which can be directly hit one way.  Compare: Single Shot.

Doubles.

Doubling cube.

A cubical block, slightly larger than a regular die, with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 marked on its faces. It is used for keeping track of the increase in stakes of the game and the player who next has the right to double. The cube starts in the middle with the number 64 facing up (representing a value of 1). When you offer a double, you turn the cube to its next higher value and pass it to your opponent. If he accepts your double, he places the cube on his side of the board and becomes the owner of the cube. After the first double of a game, only the player who last accepted a double may make the next double. Rules that affect use of the doubling cube:  automatic doubles, the Jacoby rule, and beavers.

Offering a double in anticipation of a good roll.

The range of game winning chances which are both a proper double and a proper take.

The range of game winning chances which would be a proper double and a proper take if neither player could use the cube again.

An early-game move of a checker from the mid-point to the same player's outer board.

The random pairing of competitors in a tournament to determine who will play whom or who will get byes.

Refuse a double.

The maximum game winning chances at which it is correct for a player to refuse a double; the point at which a player is equally well off accepting a double or refusing a double; take point.