“O” Backgammon Terms

Terms that Start with “O” Letter

There are - 28 - terms.

Opening Game

The first phase of a backgammon game where the players have yet to establish their initial game plans.   Compare: Middle Game and End Game.

Opening Roll

The first roll of the game in which both players simultaneously roll one die. This roll determines both the player to go first and the numbers that player must play.

Open Tournament

A tournament open to any player regardless of strength or experience.  See: Open Division.

Otter

[Another furry rodent, by analogy to beaver and raccoon.]  An immediate redouble (while retaining ownership of the cube) by the player who just accepted a raccoon.

Outer Board

The side of the board away from where the players bear off their checkers. Each player's outer board comprises that player's points seven through twelve.  Compare: Home Board.

Outfield

The outer board, particularly points nine, ten, and eleven.

Outside Prime

A contiguous sequence of blocked points in which the majority of those points are in the outer board.

Overage

Points (4) won in excess of those needed to win a match. For example, if you win a game worth 4 points in a match in which you are 2 points away from winning, the surplus 2 points are overage.

Overplay

Make an unnecessarily big play.

Over the Board

Games played face-to-face, as opposed to on the Internet or by correspondence.

Own a Point

To have two or more checkers on a point (1) so that the opponent is blocked from landing or touching down there.

Owner of the Cube

The player who last accepted a double in the game. He places the cube on his side of the board to indicate that only he may make the next double.  See: Cube Ownership.

Own the Cube

The player who last accepted a double is said to own the doubling cube. He places the cube on his side of the board. Only the owner of the cube may offer the next double in the same game.  Compare: Centered Cube.