The Ace, Bar, and Mid in Backgammon Points
The 24 skinny triangles on the backgammon board are called points. These are the spaces where checkers are set down as they're moved across the board. In the course of identifying them, three backgammon points have stood out in nearly every game annotation and commentary. These are the ace-point, bar-point, and mid-point.
Since backgammon points can be identified in relation to the respective player, they are conveniently divided into four quadrants with six triangles each. Each player gets two quadrants of their own which are aptly called their outer and inner tables/boards. The inner or home table holds their one-point to six-point. This is where a player's entire checkers must land as a prerequisite to bearing off. While the outer board holds a player's points from seven all the way through twelve.
Taking the board division into account, the ace-, mid-, and bar-point are recognized. The ace and bar points are in the vicinity of a player's half of the backgammon board. The ace-point is also a player's one-point in their inner table. The bar-point, on the other hand, is the other name for a player's seven-point that's located on their outer table. It's so named because it is right next to the center bar. The mid-point, as opposed to the ace and bar points, is on the opponent's outer table. It's your 13-point and, conversely, your opponent's 12-point.
The matter of whether your outer table or inner table is on your left or on your right depends on how you and your opponent have agreed to bear off checkers. Conventionally, a player's counters are borne off counter-clockwise. That's why you will see that the inner table's on a player's right and the outer table's on their left side. But if they agree to move checkers clockwise, starting positions and table designations are appropriately reversed as well.
Backgammon points are so-numbered in relation to how far off they are from being borne off. Just like the ace-point is one point away from being taken off the backgammon board. So, taking these numbers in review, you will notice that your ace-point is your opponent's 24-point. Also, you'll see that your ace, bar and mid points are directly across from your opponent's ace, bar and mid points too. So next time you hear the terms ace-point, mid-point, and bar-point thrown around, you'll know exactly where and what they are referring to on the backgammon board.
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