Backgammon Dictionary

A neural-net computer program that plays backgammon (1) and analyzes positions and matches. GNU Backgammon is a cooperative effort of many volunteers. It is "free" software as defined by the GNU General Public License. See the post by Gary Wong and the tutorial by Albert Silver.  Website: GNU Backgammon.

The opponent's five-point, the best place to build an anchor.

To achieve the points (4) necessary to win a match.

A mode in some computer programs and on some backgammon servers where the computer will automatically bear off the maximum number of checkers possible.

Tavli.

Gammon-save.

A player's one-point.

A Middle Eastern game in which a single checker controls a point (1) and doubles are very powerful.  See: How to Play Gul Bara.

Game winning chances.

One of the two numbers on a pair of thrown dice.

A pip counting method devised by Douglas Zare. See this post and this article.

An artificial advantage given to a weaker player in an effort to equalize the chances of winning. Some popular handicaps are: (a) the weaker player gets to go first; (b) once during the game the weaker player gets to reroll if he doesn't like his roll; (c) the weaker player gets to start the game owning the cube; (d) the weaker player gets to start the game with a strong roll such as 5-3, 4-2, 6-5, or 3-1.

A play which exposes blots for the purpose of recirculating the player's checkers; also known as a suicide play.

One player against another player for money.

A point (1) with more than three checkers on it.

A side bet between two players prior to competing in the final rounds of a tournament designed to protect the loser from going away empty handed. For example, two players competing for a $10,000 prize might agree beforehand that the winner will pay the loser $2,500. See this thread.

To move to a point (1) occupied by an opposing blot and put the blot on the bar.

To hit an opposing blot and then continue on with the same checker to cover your own blot.

Pick and pass.

Pick and pass.