backgammon

American  

[bak-gam-uhn, bak-gam-] / ˈbækˌgæm ən, ˌbækˈgæm- /

noun

1. a game for two persons played on a board having two tables or parts, each marked with 12 points, and with both players having 15 pieces that are moved in accordance with throws of the dice.

2. a victory at this game, especially one resulting in a tripled score.

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verb (used with object)

1. to defeat at backgammon, especially to win a triple score over.

backgammon British  

/ bækˈɡæmən, ˈbækˌɡæmən /

noun

1. a game for two people played on a board with pieces moved according to throws of the dice

2. the most complete form of win in this game

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Etymology

Origin of backgammon

First recorded in 1635–45; back ² + gammon ¹

Explanation

Backgammon is a two-player game in which you move pieces in an attempt to be the first to remove them all from the board. Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world. There's an element of luck to the game of backgammon, but strategy is important if you want to play well. Each player takes turns rolling the dice and choosing the best of many options for moving one or two pieces. You can also capture your opponent's pieces to slow him down. The gammon in backgammon comes from the Old English gamen, "fun" or "game," though the game itself comes from ancient Persia.

Example Sentences

Colonists played chess, checkers, dominoes and backgammon, among other diversions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

He came to Azizam, which he described as a restaurant that serves the “Persian dishes that only your mom makes at home,” for backgammon and an albaloo or sour cherry spritz.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2025

Swieskowski had been introduced to backgammon the previous summer and had the zeal of a convert; growing up, Hodde played with her family on ski trips.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

In anticipation of meeting the three-time Grammy winner, the mum-of-two created a backgammon board with the hope of giving it to her.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2023

In the afternoon the sick child got to play many games of backgammon with Papa, or hear stories read by Mama or Papa.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman