“I” Backgammon Terms

A move that does not conform to the roll of the dice as defined by the rules of backgammon. An illegal move must be corrected if requested by the opponent before the opponent rolls the dice to begin his own turn.  See: Illegal Moves Rule.

The standard rule in backgammon which says: If a player makes an illegal play, the opponent has the option of allowing the error to stand or requesting that it be corrected. He must make this request before rolling the dice to begin his own turn. Once a correction is requested, the illegal mover is free to make any legal play he chooses.  Compare: Legal Moves Rule.

A play that does not conform to the roll of the dice as defined by the rules of backgammon. An illegal play must be corrected if requested by the opponent before the opponent rolls the dice to begin his own turn.  See: Illegal Moves Rule.

A position which cannot be reached through any sequence of legally played rolls. For example, both players closed out with checkers on the bar is an illegal position. Illegal positions are not allowed under the rules, and any misplay that creates an illegal position must be corrected.

A checker that is presently part of a prime or a block but which has the prospect of being used later to make another point.

A hit that uses the numbers on both dice taken together.   Compare: Direct Hit.

An opportunity to hit an opposing blot using the numbers on both dice taken together; a combination shot.   Compare: Direct Shot.

A double offered while the cube is still in the center, as opposed to a redouble where the player making the double has possession of the cube.

The amount initially wagered in a game of backgammon (1). At the end of the game, this amount is multiplied by the final value of the doubling cube, and further multiplied by 2 if the win is a gammon or 3 if the win is a backgammon (2).

A term used to describe a situation where one player has relative freedom to build his position or attack the opponent as he chooses, while the other player is reduced to making forced plays and trying to stave off disaster. The first player is said to have the initiative.

Home board.

Home board.

A division of a tournament designed for players too strong for the novice division and who do not wish to compete in the open division.

A player of some experience who has begun to hone his skills; the level of play between novice and advanced.

On the bar.

A sixteenth-century game popular in England and other European countries, and probably backgammon (1)'s direct ancestor. Rolls of doubles are played just like any other roll, and there are no gammons or backgammons (2).  See: How to Play Irish.