“P” Backgammon Terms

Point on head.

One of the twenty-four narrow triangles, twelve on each side, of a backgammon board, where the players' checkers sit. The points are numbered for each player 1 to 12 across the near side of the board and 13 to 24 in the other direction across the far side of the board. Either player's one-point is the other player's 24-point.

Two or more checkers on the same triangle; a made point.

To hit a blot and make the point in the same turn with the same roll; to point on a blot.

A unit of scoring. Each game is worth 1, 2, or 3 points (for a single game, a gammon, or a backgammon (2)) multiplied by the value of the doubling cube. In money play, you play for a certain value per point. In match play, each match is played to a predetermined number of total points.

An old method of scoring in backgammon (1) that is no longer used. The winner of the game gets 1 point for each checker in the loser's home board, 2 points for each checker in the loser's outer board, 3 points for each checker in the winner's outer table, and 4 points for each checker on the bar or in the winner's home table.  See: 1931 Rules of Backgammon.

To hit an opposing blot with two of your checkers at the same time, thereby also making the point. Pointing on a blot in your home board is usually a very strong play.

Point on a blot.

A measure of playing performance equal to the total number of points (4) won (or lost) divided by the number of games played.

A backgammon variant in which you always play the lower number of a roll first.  See: How to Play Poof.

A Greek game similar to Western backgammon (1).  See: How to Play Portes.

The arrangement of checkers on a backgammon board.

A play that emphasizes fighting for and keeping key points over running or blitzing (1); a structural play.

A checker-play decision where strategy considerations dominate. See post by Adam Stocks.  Compare: Technical Play.

A card with a preprinted diagram of a backgammon board designed for recording a position.

The player who last accepted a double is said to own the cube. Only that player may make the next double of the game. Prior to the first double, neither player owns the cube (see centered cube) and either player may double.

After the Crawford game.

Analysis of a game or match after it has been completed.

[Named for backgammon player Sam Pottle.]  "Always run the last checker." If you have only one checker back, the best move is usually to run that checker. See post by Stick Rice.

Points per Game.

Acronym for "Position, Race, And Threats," a guideline for making cube decisions. According to the guideline, a player should double if he has an advantage in two of the three areas. And his opponent should pass if the player who doubled has an advantage in all three areas. See post by Alan Webb.

Dice which have been carefully cut so their shape and balance are more accurate than regular dice and have pips (1) that are flat and not dimpled. See posts by Patti Beadles and Larry Strommen.

To evacuate a high point (1) in your home board before all of your checkers are home in preparation for bearing off. You sometimes do this when the opponent holds an anchor deep in your home board and you are worried about clearing a high point safely during the bear off. By preclearing, you take advantage of opportune rolls at the time you get them.

Before the Crawford game.