reviewReviewchevron down
Games /

Board Game Terms

1 / 21
Exit
1-
turn
2-
capture
3-
move
4-
staging area
5-
custodian capture
6-
displacement capture
7-
doublet
8-
triplet
9-
file
10-
gameplay
11-
grace
12-
handicap
13-
huff
14-
in hand
15-
intervention capture
16-
pie rule
17-
rank
18-
to bear off
19-
defector
20-
boneyard
21-
domino toppling
Turn
/tɜrn/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
t
t
u
ɜ
r
r
n
n
Spelling
Close
Sign in
noun

the time when someone has the opportunity, obligation, or right to do a certain thing that everyone in a group does one after the other

example
Example
click on words
Each student in the class took turns presenting their projects to the rest of the class.
The siblings took turns doing the dishes after dinner, rotating the chore each night.
She took her turn in the game, rolling the dice and moving her game piece.
turn
Capture
/kæpʧər/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
a
æ
p
p
t
ʧ
u
ə
r
r
e
noun

the act of removing an opponent's game piece from the board

Move
/mu:v/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
m
m
o
u:
v
v
e
noun

a change made by a player in the position of a piece in a board game

move
Staging area
us flag
/stˈeɪdʒɪŋ ˈɛɹiə/
noun

a designated space on the game board where players can place their game pieces or tokens before they are put into play

Custodian capture
us flag
/kʌstˈoʊdiən kˈæptʃɚ/
noun

a capture when an opponent's game piece is blocked on adjacent sides by two or more of the capturing player's pieces. The blocked piece is then removed from the game board as a result of the capture

What is a "custodian capture"?

Custodian capture is a game term used when an opponent’s piece is surrounded on two or more sides by the capturing player’s pieces. Once the opponent’s piece is blocked, it is removed from the board. This capture requires careful positioning and strategy, as it depends on trapping the opponent’s piece in a way that it has no possible moves left. It is a useful tactic for gaining control of the board and limiting the opponent's options.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Displacement capture
us flag
/dɪsplˈeɪsmənt kˈæptʃɚ/
noun

a capture method used in some board games where a player's game piece is removed from the board and replaced by the capturing player's piece

What is a "displacement capture"?

Displacement capture is a method of capturing in some board games where a player removes an opponent's piece from the board and places their own piece in its position. This type of capture occurs when one piece directly replaces another, effectively taking over its spot on the board. It is different from other capture methods, where pieces might be simply removed or blocked, and adds a layer of strategy by allowing the capturing player to take control of the space occupied by the opponent's piece. This method is commonly found in games that involve strategic movement and positioning.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Doublet
us flag
/dˈʌblət/
noun

a roll of two dice that show the same number

What is a "doublet"?

A doublet refers to rolling two dice and having both dice show the same number. For example, if both dice land on a 3, it is considered a doublet. Doublets can have special significance in some games, often allowing the player to take a particular action or gain an advantage, such as rolling again or receiving extra points. The term is most commonly used in games like backgammon, but it can appear in various other dice-based games as well. Rolling a doublet is usually considered a lucky event since it increases the chances of gaining a favorable outcome.

Triplet
/trɪplət/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
t
t
r
r
i
ɪ
p
p
l
l
e
ə
t
t
noun

a set of three game pieces or cards or dice that share the same attributes, such as color, shape, or value

What is a "triplet"?

A triplet refers to a set of three items, such as dice, cards, or game pieces, that all share a common feature, like having the same value, color, or shape. In games, triplets can be important for making specific moves or achieving goals, depending on the rules. For example, in some card games, having three cards with the same rank or in some dice games, rolling three identical numbers, could lead to winning or scoring higher points. Triplets are often a key element in many games, adding a layer of strategy or luck.

File
/faɪl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
f
f
i
l
l
e
noun

a vertical column of squares on a game board

What is a "file"?

A file refers to a row of game pieces or tokens that are arranged in a straight line, typically in a vertical or horizontal direction. The pieces in a file are often placed in a specific order and can be moved or manipulated according to the rules of the game. In games like chess, a file refers to one of the vertical columns on the board, where pieces like pawns and rooks move. The concept of a file helps to organize the game layout and is important for strategy and movement, as players aim to control certain files or use them to their advantage.

Gameplay
/geɪmpleɪ/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
g
g
a
m
m
e
p
p
l
l
a
e
y
ɪ
noun

the set of activities, actions, and interactions that take place during the course of a board game or video game

What is "gameplay"?

Gameplay refers to the specific way a game is played, including the rules, mechanics, and actions that define the player experience. It covers how players interact with the game, make decisions, and achieve objectives. Gameplay can involve strategy, skill, and luck, depending on the game, and includes things like movement, challenges, and how players advance or win. The term is used to describe not only the overall flow of a game but also the choices and actions players face during the game, affecting how engaging or enjoyable it is.

Grace
/greɪs/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
g
g
r
r
a
c
s
e
noun

a bonus turn granted to a player that allows them to take an additional action or move beyond what would normally be allowed in a single turn

What is a "grace"?

A grace in a game refers to an extra turn or move granted to a player, allowing them to take an additional action beyond what is normally allowed in a single round. This bonus opportunity can offer a strategic advantage, giving the player more chances to act or make progress. A grace is often given as a reward for a specific achievement or event within the game and can be used to help the player advance or catch up in the game. It adds an element of surprise and excitement, as players may not expect to have another chance to move.

Handicap
/hændikæp/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
h
h
a
æ
n
n
d
d
i
i
c
k
a
æ
p
p
noun

a set of rules or conditions that are put in place to balance the game and give a disadvantaged player a better chance of winning

What is a "handicap"?

A handicap is a set of adjustments or conditions designed to give a player who is at a disadvantage a fairer chance of winning. These adjustments can involve giving the weaker player extra points, advantages, or making the game more challenging for the stronger player. The purpose of a handicap is to level the playing field and create a more balanced, competitive experience, ensuring that both players have an opportunity to win, regardless of their skill or ability. Handicaps are commonly used in sports, games, and competitions to promote fairness.

Huff
/hʌf/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
h
h
u
ʌ
ff
f
noun

the ability of a player to capture an opponent's game piece by removing it from the board when the opponent fails to capture one of the player's pieces that is able to make a capture move on the same turn

What is "huff"?

Huff is a rule in some board games that allows a player to capture an opponent's piece by removing it from the board. This happens when the opponent fails to capture one of the player's pieces that could have made a capture move on that turn. In other words, if a player has an opportunity to take an opponent's piece and does not do so, the opponent may "huff" and take their piece as a penalty. It adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must be careful not to miss opportunities, or they risk losing a piece.

In hand
us flag
/ɪn hˈænd/
nounIdiom

used to refer to the cards, pieces, etc. that a player holds and has not yet played

What is the origin of the idiom "in hand" and when to use it?

The idiom "in hand" originated from the world of card games, specifically referring to the cards or pieces that a player holds and has not yet played. It signifies the collection of resources or options available to a player, which they can strategically utilize to their advantage during the course of the game.

Intervention capture
us flag
/ˌɪntɚvˈɛnʃən kˈæptʃɚ/
noun

the ability of a player to capture an opponent's game piece that has just made a capture move, by moving one of their own pieces to a square adjacent to the captured piece

What is an "intervention capture"?

Intervention capture is a rule in some board games that allows a player to capture an opponent's piece immediately after the opponent has captured one of the player's pieces. The player does this by moving one of their own pieces to a square next to the opponent's recently captured piece. This rule gives the player the chance to retaliate quickly, taking advantage of the opponent's move by capturing their piece right after the capture occurs. It adds a strategic element, requiring players to be mindful of their own captures and the potential for an opponent to strike back.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Pie rule
us flag
/pˈaɪ ɹˈuːl/
noun

a rule used to determine who plays first in the game, and to ensure that the starting player does not have an unfair advantage over their opponent

What is the "pie rule"?

The pie rule is a rule used in some two-player board games, especially in games like Hex or certain variations of games like chess. It is designed to balance the advantage of going first. When the player who goes second sees the first player's move, they have the option to "swap" positions with the first player, effectively allowing the second player to choose whether they want to continue with the first move or take the advantage of the first move themselves. This rule helps prevent the player who goes first from having an unfair advantage and keeps the game more balanced.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Rank
/rænk/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
r
r
a
æ
n
n
k
k
noun

a straight line of spaces running horizontally across the game board at a right angle to a column

What is a "rank"?

A rank refers to a row of game pieces or spaces on a game board, usually arranged horizontally. In games like chess, ranks are numbered from 1 to 8, indicating the rows on the board where pieces are placed and moved. The term is also used in other board games to describe horizontal lines of spaces or pieces. Ranks play a role in the movement and positioning of pieces, as players need to be aware of the ranks to strategize effectively and achieve their objectives.

To bear off
us flag
/bˈɛɹ ˈɔf/
noun

(in backgammon) to safely bring one's pieces home and out of the game

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status
separable
phrase's verb
bear
phrase's particle
off
Defector
/dɪfɛktər/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
d
d
e
ɪ
f
f
e
ɛ
c
k
t
t
o
ə
r
r
noun

a player who switches allegiances or teams, typically to gain an advantage or for strategic reasons

Who is a "defector"?

A defector in the context of a game refers to a player who changes sides or switches allegiance during gameplay, often for personal gain or to gain an advantage. This term is most commonly used in strategy games, team-based games, or games involving alliances, where a player may betray their teammates or partners to join the opposing side. The action of defecting can alter the course of the game, introducing an element of surprise or shifting power dynamics. Defectors may be seen as acting out of self-interest or a desire to improve their position in the game.

Boneyard
us flag
/bˈoʊnjɑːɹd/
noun

a central reserve or stockpile of unused tiles, cards, or pieces that players can draw from during the game when they need additional resources or replacements

What is a "boneyard"?

A boneyard in a game refers to a collection or pile of unused or remaining game pieces, cards, or tiles that players can draw from during gameplay. It is often used in games like dominoes or card games, where players take pieces or cards from the boneyard when they run out of options or need additional pieces to continue. The boneyard typically holds the remaining pieces that have not yet been played, and players may have to draw from it as part of the game’s rules.

Domino toppling
us flag
/dˈɑːmɪnˌoʊ tˈɑːplɪŋ/
noun

a chain reaction where players set up a line of dominoes to knock one another down in a visually pleasing way

What is "domino toppling"?

Domino toppling refers to the act of setting up dominoes in a specific arrangement, then knocking over the first one to create a chain reaction where each domino falls into the next. This can be done for fun, as a form of entertainment, or as part of a competitive challenge. The dominos are usually arranged in creative patterns, and the goal is to watch the sequence unfold as the dominos topple one after the other. In some cases, players may design intricate courses with various shapes and obstacles to make the chain reaction more exciting.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

Congratulations! !

You learned 21 words from Board Game Terms. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

review-disable

Review

flashcard-disable

Flashcards

spelling-disable

Spelling

quiz-disable

Quiz

practice