Ahh, the language of backgammon, it’s enough to make anyone turn and run. Are you new to the backgammon scene? Do you get that blank look when you hear the word Anchor? Are you completely confused when someone says that he has a joker? Do you stand there wondering exactly what a pip count is? Well, you’re not alone, backgammon terminology can be extremely confusing, and what’s more, there are tons of them.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the more common terms used in backgammon and what they mean. After reading this article, you’ll be off to your next backgammon game and be able to play the terminology like an old pro. Let’s get started, okay?
Anchor: Two or more pieces that occupy any point inside the opponent’s inner board.
Joker – a lucky roll, a great roll, which has the ability to affect the outcome of the game in favor of a person.
Pip Count – This represents the points a player is required to take in order to win. At the start of a game, each player starts with 167 as the number of pips. This means:
– Point 24 – 2 chips = 48 pips
– Point 13 – 5 chips = 65 pips
– Point 8 – 3 chips – 24 pips
– Point 6 – 5 chips – 30 pips
For a number of pips of 167 each.
Point – In backgammon, there are twenty four points. This is not the score in any way, instead these are the triangles that represent the spaces. However, this can also be used for scoring, in terms of how many points or wins the game is worth. For example, if a person wins a single game, it is worth one point, “gammon” earns 2 points or a double game, and Backgammon is worth 3 points or a triple game.
Individual game: a game that is won by removing all the tiles before the opponent, when the opponent is also removing tiles.
Gammon: a game that is won by removing all the tiles before the opponent, when the opponent has not started to remove them.
Backgammon – the name of the game, as well as a win. This win occurs when one person removes all the checkers before the opponent and the opponent has not started to remove them, and the opponent has a spot on the bar.
Bear off – This is the act of removing backgammon tiles from the board.
Blot – A single backgammon tile susceptible to the opponent’s attacks.
Hit: To attack an opponent’s blob, the blob is placed on the center bar of the board.
Hit and Cover: Not only do you attack your opponent’s blob, but you also keep moving that same token to protect the blob you would otherwise have left vulnerable.
While there are many more terms in backgammon terminology, the above are some of the most commonly used. Before you know it, you’ll be talking and playing like a backgammon pro.