“A” Backgammon Terms

American Backgammon Tour, an annual master-point competition of participants in major U.S. tournaments.  Website: ABT.

To agree to continue playing a game at twice the previous stakes after the opponent offers a double.  Compare: Refuse a Double.

A rolled die showing the number 1.

Traditional name for the one-point.

A position in the late stages of a game in which a player is anchored on the opponent's one-point trying to hit a shot as the opponent brings his checkers home and bears them off.

The roll of 1 and 2 with two dice.

A backgammon variant in which the roll of 1 and 2 gives the player extra turns.  See: How to Play Acey-Deucey.

In a chouette, the crew member who plays for the team against the box after the original captain has declined box's double and is no longer in the game.

A play designed to provoke an exchange of hits, typically used after the opponent has escaped his runners.

A position in which one player doubles based upon his immediate blot-hitting chances.

A checker which is completely free to make another point.

An anchor on the opponent's five-point, four-point, or sometimes three-point. (The opponent's bar-point is also sometimes called an advanced anchor, though purists insist that only points in the opponent's home board should be called "anchors.")  See: Holding Point.

A player of considerable experience and skill who has moved beyond intermediate level.

Having a lower pip count than your opponent; see count (2).

Having a lower pip count than your opponent.

An unexpectedly poor roll, especially one that fails to hit or fails to make a point.

Checkers in position to carry out an attack, in particular, checkers in the zone.

A traditional chess clock with hands that show the time remaining for each player. It has a flag that falls to indicate when a player's time has expired. Analog clocks generally do not have a time delay feature, making them less suitable than digital clocks for use in backgammon.

A point (1) occupied by two or more of your checkers in the opponent's home board.

A recorded match with added analysis and commentary.  Example: The annotated match between Kit Woolsey and Jeremy Bagai.

Analysis and commentary about a backgammon game written after the game is played.