Backgammon Dictionary

A bearoff database where the arrangement of checkers on only one player's side is considered. The values in the database are calculated assuming the goal at each turn is to minimize the average number of rolls required to bear off.  Compare: Two-Sided Bearoff Database.

This refers to playing backgammon over the Internet. Online backgammon allows players all over the world to compete against one another. You can play for rating points or for real money.  See: Backgammon Server.

The main division of a tournament; the division that any player may enter. Also called the championship division, it generally has the highest entry fee, the largest prizes, and attracts the strongest players.  Compare: Novice Division and Intermediate Division.

The first phase of a backgammon game where the players have yet to establish their initial game plans.   Compare: Middle Game and End Game.

The first roll of the game in which both players simultaneously roll one die. This roll determines both the player to go first and the numbers that player must play.

A position on the board not occupied by two or more of the opponent's checkers.

A tournament open to any player regardless of strength or experience.  See: Open Division.

California rule.

Over the board.

[Another furry rodent, by analogy to beaver and raccoon.]  An immediate redouble (while retaining ownership of the cube) by the player who just accepted a raccoon.

The side of the board away from where the players bear off their checkers. Each player's outer board comprises that player's points seven through twelve.  Compare: Home Board.

Outer board.

The outer board, particularly points nine, ten, and eleven.

A contiguous sequence of blocked points in which the majority of those points are in the outer board.

Points (4) won in excess of those needed to win a match. For example, if you win a game worth 4 points in a match in which you are 2 points away from winning, the surplus 2 points are overage.

Make an unnecessarily big play.

Games played face-to-face, as opposed to on the Internet or by correspondence.

To have two or more checkers on a point (1) so that the opponent is blocked from landing or touching down there.

The player who last accepted a double in the game. He places the cube on his side of the board to indicate that only he may make the next double.  See: Cube Ownership.

The player who last accepted a double is said to own the doubling cube. He places the cube on his side of the board. Only the owner of the cube may offer the next double in the same game.  Compare: Centered Cube.