Backgammon Dictionary

The arrangement of checkers among points. A good distribution is compact with spares on most points. You don't want too many points or too few points (candlesticks).

The spreading out of your checkers to increase the number of good rolls on your next turn. See post by Simon Woodhead.  Compare: Duplication.

One of the sections in a tournament into which players are divided according to their ability and experience. For example, a tournament might have a novice division, an intermediate division, and an open division.

Double match point.

An offer made by one player to his opponent during the course of the game (on that player's turn, but before he has rolled the dice) to continue the game at twice the current stakes. The opponent may refuse the double, in which case he resigns the game and loses the current (undoubled) stakes. Otherwise, he must accept the double and the game continues at double the previous stakes. A player who accepts a double becomes owner of the cube and only he may make the next double in the same game.

Double hit.

Double shot.

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.