Backgammon Glossary
A comprehensive guide to the terminology of this classic game.
- S -
Safe
A play after which you are not in danger of being hit.
Safety a Man
Move a man out of danger. (see Safe)
Safety Play
A play that in the long run is not the strongest or most constructive play available but instead leaves an opponent with the least possbile good moves on his next roll.
Save a Gammon
Avoid losing two points (a gammon) by bearing off at least one man.
Save a Number
Play in such a way as to ensure that certain dice rolls not forced and can be moved elsewhere.
Semiactive Builder
A man which may or may not be available to make another point, depending on the roll.
Settlement
A payment of points by one player to the other based on the fair value of a position. (see Equity)
Settlement Equity
The value of a position in a money game to one of the players and the fair value, as a factor of the initial stake, that should change hands in lieu of finishing the game. Settlement equity is equal to cube equity times the current value of the doubling cube.
Shift Points
Move from one point to make another one. Often done to make a better point or to avoid leaving blots.
Shot
A chance to hit an opponent's blot. Direct shots hit using a single die. Indirect shots hit using both die for one man.
Shut Out
(see Close Out)
Single Game
A completed game which is not a gammon or a backgammon - either a game in which the losing player has borne off at least one man or a game that ends when a double is refused.
Single Shot
A blot exposed to hits from one of an opponent's men.
Slot
Play a single man onto an empty point with the intention of covering it next turn.
Slot and Split
Play a man into an open point in your home board and move a back man.
Spare Man
An extra man on a point that can be used for hitting or making a point without leaving behind a blot.
Split
To separate two men which are together on a point (typically the twenty-four point) and leave them as blots.
Squeeze
To take advantage of the opponent's compulsion to move any playable roll.
Stacking
(see Candlesticks)
Staines Rule
An optional rule regarding doubles wherein all doubles rolled are classed as non-doubles and can only be moved twice instead of the usual four times. (see Roll a Double)
Stake
The amount wagered by the participants in a game of backgammon. The current stake is the initial stake multiplied by the value of the doubling cube.
Stay Back
Remain in an opponent's home board.
Steam
Losing control and taking risks or playing recklessly Usually preceded by a run of 'bad luck' after which the player is convinced the dice are against him and he plays progressively worse!
Stretched
A position barren of spare men or builders and thus prone to awkward numbers.
Strip a Point
Leaving just two men on a point which previous had more.
Stripped
A position barren of spare men or builders and thus prone to awkward numbers.
Switch Points
Give up one point to make another in the same move.
Sydney
The roll of 1 and 6 to escape a prime, usually from the bar and often hitting a blot.
- Michael Crane
