Backgammon

/bækˈɡæm.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A board game for two players, in which each player has fifteen pieces that move between twenty-four points according to the roll of two dice, with the aim of bearing off all of one's own pieces before the opponent does.

After dinner, we often play a few games of backgammon to unwind.

The game of backgammon, including its rules and competitions.

She has been practicing her backgammon skills to compete in the upcoming tournament.

A term used to describe a betting game similar to backgammon.

They played backgammon for money, making the games even more exciting.

Etymology

The word 'backgammon' likely derives from the Middle English 'bac' and 'gamen' meaning 'back game'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bearing off

The move of removing pieces from the board when a player has completed their set.

blot

A single piece on a point that can be hit by an opponent.

hitting

The act of landing on an opponent's blot to send it to the bar.

Related Words

dice

The small cubes used in games to generate random numbers.

board

The flat surface on which the backgammon game is played.

pieces

The tokens used by players to play the game.

Slang Meanings

Bgam

Let's play some bgam while we wait for dinner.

Backy

I challenged my friend to a round of backy last night.