Backgammon checker terms
Backgammon game pieces are known by many names, the most modern of which is checkers. As you might suspect, the name checkers comes from the popular checkerboard game known by the same name in the U.S. However, in British English, the game of Checkers is called Draughts, revealing the origins of yet another term commonly used for backgammon game pieces.
Whether you call them checkers, draughts or something else altogether, here’s a list of the most common names for backgammon playing pieces, as well as the various terms used to indicate the strategic position of checkers on the backgammon board.
Backgammon Checker Synonyms
These are terms that can be used interchangeably to describe backgammon game pieces.
| Checkers | Draughts | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Stones | Counters | Pawns |
| Runners | Tokens | Discs |
| Pips | Chips | Nips |
Strategic Names for Backgammon Checkers
These are strategic terms for checkers, used to indicate their position on the board.
- Blot – a single checker on a point.
- Builder – two checkers on a point, creating the potential to build a point in the opponent’s home board.
- Attackers – these are builders that are also positioned to attack the opponent’s home board.
- Spare Checker – an additional checker on a point that is already made, allowing for strategic movement without risk of breaking the point.
- Stack or Candlestick – five or more checkers on a point.
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