BetThe amount of chips or points a player puts into the pot of a deal. The size of the bet reflects the strength of the hand or a willingness to take risks.→ Poker, Backgammon, Twenty-One
BlitzA fast format of play with a very short time control, usually a few minutes per game. It calls for quick, intuitive decisions.→ Chess, Checkers, Go
BotA computer opponent that plays in place of a live person according to a built-in algorithm. The bot's level sets the strength of its play.→ Chess, Checkers, Reversi, Gomoku
Difficulty levelA setting for the strength of a computer opponent — from easy to hard. It affects the depth of calculation and the number of deliberate mistakes the bot makes.→ Chess, Checkers, Reversi, Gomoku
DrawAn outcome of a game with no winner, fixed by agreement, the rules, or the impossibility of a win. In rated games it usually gives the sides equal points.→ Chess, Checkers, Reversi, Backgammon
Draw of lotsThe random determination of the starting conditions — colour, order of play, or the pairing of opponents. It evens the chances before the start.→ Chess, Backgammon, Checkers
EloA rating system that assesses the relative strength of players from the results of their meetings. Named after the physicist Arpad Elo and widely used in chess.→ Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Reversi
Endgame tablebasesDatabases with an exact evaluation of every endgame position with few pieces. They give flawless play right up to mate.→ Chess, Checkers
ExchangeThe mutual capture of pieces or cards of roughly equal value. Exchanges simplify the position or ease the tension.→ Chess, Checkers, Reversi
Forced moveThe only reasonable, or rules-compelled, reply to a threat. A chain of forced moves lets you calculate a variation exactly.→ Chess, Checkers, Gomoku
GameA complete play from the start to the determination of a result. A match is made up of several games.→ Chess, Checkers, Go, Reversi
HandicapA head start that evens the chances of players of differing strength: an advantage given in advance to the weaker one. In go a handicap is set by placing stones on the board before play.→ Go, Chess
InitiativeThe advantage of the active side, which forces the opponent to defend and answer threats. Holding the initiative lets you dictate the course of the struggle.→ Chess, Checkers, Reversi
LimitA restriction on the maximum or fixed size of bets in a game. In limit poker bets are raised only in set increments.→ Poker, Twenty-One
LobbyThe waiting screen before an online game starts, where players gather and settings are chosen. The game itself is launched from the lobby.
MatchA series of games between the same opponents, the winner of which is decided by the sum of the results. A single game is only a part of a match.→ Chess, Checkers, Backgammon
MaterialThe total value of the pieces or other resources a side has. A material advantage usually leads to a win, unless outweighed by the opponent's activity.→ Chess, Checkers
MoveA single action by a player on their turn according to the rules of the game. A game is built from the alternating moves of the sides.→ Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Reversi
OddsAn advantage given in advance to the weaker player to even the chances. In draughts and chess it may take the form of removing a piece from the stronger side.→ Chess, Checkers, Go
Order of playThe set order determining who moves first and how moves alternate. The right to the first move often gives a small advantage.→ Chess, Go, Gomoku, Reversi
Pass (Gwent)A refusal to make further moves in the current round of Gwent, fixing the strength accumulated. A player who passes saves cards for the following rounds.
PositionThe current placement of all pieces, stones or cards and the assessment of the sides' chances that follows from it. Positional play aims at the gradual improvement of this placement.→ Chess, Checkers, Go, Reversi
RankedA rated mode in which the results of games affect a player's rating. Contrasted with friendly games that carry no consequences for the rating.
RatingA numerical indicator of a player's strength, rising for wins and falling for losses. Used to match evenly-strengthed opponents.→ Chess, Checkers, Backgammon
RematchA repeat game between the same opponents right after the previous one. It gives the loser a chance to get even.
ResignA voluntary admission of defeat before the formal end of the game, when the position is hopeless. It saves both sides time.→ Chess, Checkers, Go, Reversi
RoundA separate segment of a game, at the end of which points are awarded, after which the next one begins. A match often consists of several rounds.→ Poker, Backgammon
RowA horizontal battle line in Gwent, onto which units of the corresponding type are placed. The strength of units across all rows is summed into a total score.
TacticsA short sequence of concrete moves that yields an immediate gain. Tactical strokes cash in the advantage built up by strategy.→ Chess, Checkers, Gomoku
Time controlA regulation allotting each player a limited amount of time to think over their moves. Running out of time usually means a loss.→ Chess, Checkers, Go
TrapA hidden set-up that provokes the opponent into a natural but losing move. Opening traps are especially dangerous for inexperienced players.→ Chess, Checkers, Gomoku
WeatherSpecial cards in Gwent that weaken all units in a given row on both sides. They must be taken into account when laying down valuable cards.