across the board

Meaning

Prepositional phrase

• Pertaining to all categories or things.
• Having an equal amount staked on a competitor placing first, second, or third.
• Of a move or sequence of play, made in response to developments occurring in the game, as opposed to pre-planned or according to theory.

Origin

• Originated with horse racing, where an "across the board" bet was one which covered first, second and third on the betting board.