Backgammon Dictionary

The ratings system used on FIBS. Most other backgammon servers use similar systems. See this article by Kevin Bastian for a description of the formula.

When you have an opportunity to hit two checkers that are two spaces apart and roll a number than lands between them.

The name of the second-chance bracket used in the double elimination format tournament played at the Nordic Open. A player losing in the main bracket continues to play in the progressive fighter's bracket before being eliminated from the tournament. The final eight players (four from main bracket and four from fighters bracket) qualify for the final rounds.

One of the two players competing in the finals of an elimination tournament.

The last match that determines the overall winner of an elimination tournament.

A chess clock with a feature that adds a given amount to a player's time after each move. A Fischer clock is better for backgammon than using a standard analog clock, but not as good as a digital clock with a time delay feature.

Derogatory term for a poor player willing to play for high stakes.

The fifth point (1) in a player's home board, counting from the edge of the board toward the bar. A very strong point to acquire early in a game.

The degree to which checkers are arranged to allow the greatest number of future rolls to play constructively or at least comfortably.

A chart showing which players play each other in an elimination tournament.

To fail to enter a checker from the bar; to dance.

A long indirect shot with few combinations (2); in particular, a roll that hits an outfield blot from the opponent's one-point.

Refuse a double; pass.

A roll of the dice for which there is only one legal play.

Advanced anchor.

A game plan in which the chief objective is to enter as rapidly as possible into a pure race; a running game.

Any game plan other than a back game.

The fourth point (1) in a player's home board, counting from the edge of the board toward the bar.

In match play, after the Crawford game has been played and the trailing player has an even number of points to go, the option of the leading player to refuse a double without reducing the number of games his opponent will need to win. See this thread.  See also: Mandatory Double.

To bring a checker to bear on a point (1) held by exactly two opposing checkers, and thus restrict the use of those checkers as builders.

An alternative to match play in which two players each begin with a predetermined amount of money or points (4) and play using table-stakes betting until one of them loses everything he started with. See post by Dave Brotherton.