Backgammon Classic Board Live 12+

Other backgammon apps are widely believed to create roll scenarios based on profitability. This one provides truly random rolls. I have played online backgammon with this app for years and I find it reliable and fun. At all times, day or night, it hooks me up with a live player in less than thirty seconds. I have played people from all over the world which adds to the fun of this global and ancient game. Play against the AI (the computer) is fun too though it is not like playing a human. My only disappointment is that the game does not allow for a doubling cube. There are no matches, just single games. The developer says this is because most handheld online players only want to play one game but I have played on another app where 5-game opponents are readily available. Despite this, this is the best app out there. The other apps, including the one allowing matches, do not have truly random dice throws. You can have six doubles, one after another, or crazy inconsistencies with the other apps. It is believed that these other backgammon apps guide the rolls for increased profitability because they offer in-app purchases. This backgammon app is pure backgammon and is the IOS leader for good reason. Someday, someone will develop an honest app with match play and that will be the day I use another app; until then, this is my daily player.

The developer’s description says rolls are random and not based upon the current game board. This is false. More times than not, a perfect roll to both hit and cover is the outcome. I have played well over 100 online matches and this is my experience nearly every time. I am an experienced backgammon player with an online rating (for this game) of 1161. Very frustrating experience regardless if the match is online or single player against the AI. There is a bug/glitch that will prevent the AI from moving the furthest back piece to prevent a backgammon after moving off the board. Instead they will move a piece to create a block even after it becomes a running game. If you are a novice, or maybe just looking for a way to waste time, maybe this is the game for you… otherwise, I would suggest almost any other backgammon app. There are plenty of free ones that boast random rolls (and actually do a better job delivering). Oh!! And I almost forgot; be prepared for advertisements that can’t be skipped. The highlight to this game and the reason I’m giving two stars instead of one is because it has a wide range of players of varying skill levels. Online matches rarely take more than a few seconds to connect and a short turn timer keep games moving at a steady and consistent pace even when players are not paying attention. Beware though because the AI will move for you if you miss your turn.

I’m updating my review yet again and adding a star in response to recent changes. This app is growing on me as it evolves. It’s not quite pure BG, but it scratches the itch. The way it handles doubling is not true to BG rules — you can double AFTER you roll the dice, and there is no redoubling — but while those things change the strategy around doubling, it’s fine once you get used to it. There’s also a daily bonus period where you can earn double points for wins while losses are not doubled, which also affects strategy since the upside of a win can outweigh the downside of a loss. This also means that player rankings are no longer Elo ratings, they’re just running point tallies. Online play only allows single games not matches (bummer), and not many players I’ve encountered take a rematch (also bummer). A recent update addressed a previous quibble I had with resigning a game. Nice to see the developer making improvements!
All in all if you don’t mind the liberties taken with traditional BG rules, this is an enjoyable game. If you want a more genuine BG experience (and excellent AI with helpful tutor mode, match play, and live chat with opponents), check out Backgammon NJ.