backgammon

Game of strategy in which two players move checkers around a board; players try to collect and bear them off while preventing the opponent’s checkers from moving.

checkers

Each of the counters used to play; the checkers are moved from one point to the next based on the number of pips shown on the dice.

runner

One of two checkers belonging to a player placed at the start of the game on the opponent’s inner table; it must leave that position before any other checkers of the same color can be moved.

bar

Line that divides the board’s inner and outer tables; the checkers hit by the opposing player are placed on it.

white

White checkers that belong to one player.

point

Each of the spaces on which the checkers are placed.

die

One of the two small cubes marked on each side with one to six pips; the checker moves the same number of points as the number rolled.

dice cup

Container used to shake and throw the dice.

inner table

Table that a player’s checkers must enter before they can be borne off; the player who first bears off all his or her checkers wins the game.

outer table

Area with 12 points that the checkers must move across to reach the inner table; opponents move in opposite directions.

red

Red checkers that belong to one player.

doubling die

Die used to increase the game’s stakes.