It seems that incredibly convenient rolls occur with regularity anytime the win % go close to 50. I do not feel the algorithm allows for TRUE random. As a player I should not be able to know with a high degree of certainty that a specific number will be “rolled” by the computer.

Nice app, I liked it on iOS 11, but does not respond to “home” gesture on new iPhone with ios12.

Update: The developer is correct, the “home” gesture in a landscape app is from the long side of the device rather than the short side. Poor UI design from Apple IMO rather than a mistake by the developer as I thought earlier. A point I should have made earlier is that it would be good to have a setting to never use Game Center so the Game Center Error dialog would not come up every time the app starts if, like me, you don’t want to use Game Center.

Won’t close. Doesn’t respond to swipe commands. Needs an update. Still works fine on my iPad mini, but the new phone is a problem.

This app cheats all the time...

Updated:

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID! Not only the game but the very thought giving any money to the developer - just look at how he responds to user feedback of his app -- all the 1000s of USERS (here below and elsewhere) who say the app is cheating are lying?!?! What a jerk.

Straight up: this game cheats. At higher levels of difficulty, it biases in the direction of rolls In a way that isn't random and will maximally improve the computers position - in direct proportion to how well you're doing. Go up a game or two in a match, and magical things will happen for the computer. (It's particularly and comically obvious in certain circumstances - like if you've got all of your pieces in your home court, and have boxed in a few of the computers' pieces there, it will roll a high double the preponderance of the time - usually several in a row - to escape. In other words the game cheats in a predictable way.)

In some ways, this strategy by the developer - "cheat in proportion to how well the user is done by" makes sense - it keeps things "hard" if you make them hard. But it's false advertising - the game isn't "smarter" at a high level - the computer doesn't change its style of gameplay, it just gets what it needs more frequently from the dice. In fact what I think may be going on at the easier levels is that it calculates an optimal move and then introduces random execution errors - the easier the level is set to, the more errors it makes (on its side).

Bottom line: Having played for years competitively, I can assure you that this game "feels" and plays rigged. All the protestations of the developer to the contrary ring hollow after you actually play the game. Save your money.

I enjoy this app.. very easy to use platform. There is also a tutor mode that gives you hints. I especially like the turn-based mode. But there should be a shorter time limit for a player to make their move. I just hope there were more players to connect with. It might take days for a match to begin... or sometimes you won’t be matched with anyone. Not enough players.

My doubling cube shows up randomly. Don’t understand why. Have the paid edition with all the options, why is there another version for $4.99?

First things first, this game will make you into a superior backgammon player. But you will suffer through suicidal frustration losing games you know you played masterfully, only to lose to a barrage of perfect rolls and/or doubles at the end. Which wouldn't even be so bad if you, the player, EVER had that luck and won a game like that.

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt but I just don't buy it Jimmy. On expert the app cheats. Period. The computer gets doubles 6 times between the times the player does. Yes jimmy, I counted. It has to cheat to stay competitive. If you want to get into a discussion on odds and risk, let's do that. It's what I do for a living. Your system takes unnecessary risks because it knows it won't get hurt. Constant perfect rolls. Let's ask everyone who plays this game. Ok Jimmy?

How often have any of you had 3 of the computers pieces on the bar with one open spot in your home and had the computer roll the exact double it needs to bring in all 3 AND also put you on the bar at the same time? And, how many times have you, the player been in that spot and gotten that double? For me, it's happened so often, I literally EXPECT the computer to get that double. So if it's 5s the comp needs, I won't leave a piece 5 spots away from any computer piece even if it has 3 on the bar and only the 5 spot open in my home.

Sorry Jimmy, I won't call you a liar and I don't think you're delusional but your AI is like Skynet, and it's learning without your knowing it.

The computer gets the number it needs within 2 rolls every time. It can take the player 5-10 rolls even when he needs 1 of 2 numbers. It's a farce.

I have changed my mind. Jimmy, your aggressive lying emails when anyone writes a negative review are the real comedy here. On expert the app cheats, there can be zero doubt. Perfect rolls while you will never get a lucky roll. And if you dare take any risk on expert at all, you will LOSE. GUARANTEED. And you’ll never get even 1/10 of the lucky dice the computer gets. The app cheats and Jimmu Hu attacks anyone who speaks up.

It’s the rolls you don’t get as much as

the rolls the computer gets. You will never get the roll you need, the computer gets it over 75% of the time. The game cheats on expert, otherwise it cannot be competitive once you’ve reached a certain level of expertise. You’ve made your money jimmy, but I still think you’re a liar.

6/27/18. Game cheats worse than ever on expert. Jimmy is a complete liar. The computer gets clutch rolls. if the player did too, it would be one thing. But it never happens. The game cheats jimmy. Just admit it

Sometime in late-September 2018, after having had the game for several years, there was a complete change.

It became predictable what roll was coming for the computer. Need a 2, got a 2. A double six as the only roll to keep me from playing. Got it. Twice in a row.

It was fair for the first year or two, but then it became a bore.

I deleted the app and restored it. No change. I reset the statistics and tried it on different levels. No change.

Don’t waste your money.

The best backgammon game I can find.

I like to challenge the Advanced level, but it is not easy because it computes probabilities much faster than my mind. One way to beat it is to take your time for your computations. Eventually, you will learn to think fast.

Great graphics too. I like the wooden board.

Enjoy.

Game favours computer. Dice rolls almost always roll exact number to win.

Great game except statistically (and I’ve tracked it) computer just about always rolls the exact number required to make the best move and the player rarely does. Wish it was programmed for true “chance” rolls replicating true die.

Don’t bother. I don’t care what they say about predetermined dice rolls. After getting tired of the computer getting the perfect roll time after time I did an experiment. I used the HINT feature for every move three games in a row and the computer won all three. So if it isn’t player skill it must be dice rolls.

Interesting that it never rolls doubles on the first roll which happens often using real dice. The other theory is that the computer sees the upcoming rolls and knows what blots to leave open or uncovered.

There are multiple means to predict the results of Random number generators, which this app appears to use. If so, then technically it is cheating, as no aids of this sort are permitted in tournament or even casual play. A dozen or so plays and you will be able to predict the AI’s dice rolls too! Expert mode is only useful to test your patience.

Love it

This is the app if you wanna improve your game. I prefer playing the live player (real time) mode, but playing the computer on expert mode, combined with the available match analysis (highly recommended) is how I really improved my game.

If you’re interested in improving your game, this is by far the best I’ve seen. I recommend the complete analysis package!

Don’t care what the programmers say... Dice are rigged! If you can predict what rolls you or AI will get 90% of the time, assuming worst case scenario for YOU... something is wrong. Most unrealistic rolls by AI ever!!! No chance of fair play in expert mode. Computer always gets exactly the rolls it needs no matter the odds, while you get squat. I.e- get hit during opening rolls, 80% chance you will roll double sixes. Hit the computer with 5 of 6 points blocked and AI will get out first try and probably bounce over to hit open pip within range. Happens over and over in favor of AI. Only redeeming feature is the Auto-finish to get the inevitable slaughter over with faster. Save your money!

Really nicely designed- I rated it two stars for that- but the game heavily favors AI. It really diminishes the suspense and the pleasure of playing as I watch the computer rolling multiple doubles game after game while I languish with remarkably poor dice. After several hundred games and many, many hours I’m done with it.

I LOATHE this “game”. It’s biases becomes predictable and the patterns that favor AI emerge clearly over time. The game is a blatant cheater regardless of the “proof” the developer offers. If you don’t mind that you may like it.

The reality is very few people are truly good at backgammon, so it appears computers cheat or dice aren't fair. No, you just need to improve. No app is good as XG for learning the game, but after playing this a while I've found there to be many useful features, clean interface, strong AI, and fair rolls. Trust me, play against a world champion and you will think they have rigged dice too. I've played against enough people on this app to confirm that there are a lot of weak players on here, the main downside of this app. And people play short matches, which misses out on much of the richness of backgammon. I would like a way to manually input an email address to send match files to, instead of having to use the Mail app. Analyze mode doesn't give enough info on cube decisions - is it No double because it's not good enough, or too good? And the dice rolls show up on the same side of the board, a bit confusing. But, it's a pretty well done app overall.

Programmed in favor of computer (phone). Very frustrating and unrealistic, the computer gets its rolls every time no matter what. The odds are 90% in favor of computer that you will not roll what you need to get back in!

Everything everybody is saying about the random number generator in this app is true. With the manipulation of the true odds, all of the fun is taken out of the game. If you are lucky enough to be able to play the old version of this app (not the HD version) the dice rolls are much more normal and I believe random. I have had enough of playing against the app where they get four(4) rolls of doubles in the end game. Difficult to win against that type of random.

Will never purchase another app from this supplier. The rolls are so one sided that it takes all fun out of playing the game. The app rolls what it needs to win, get on the board or knock you off. One game the app rolled five(5) doubles in six(6) moves in order to win. People who are smarter than I am in math and back up their comments with facts are right on the money. When it comes to calculating odds, I am quite knowledgeable. The odds in this app are just not possible.

I purchased the more expensive HD version but I don't notice anything HD. What is the difference? Your website doesn't say anything and both games have a "more" link to the same page. Where's the "customizable board design" as per the website? There's only 2 and you can't change the colors!

With all the options there is none to start from the bottom and bearoff at the top.

Since you have to pay before trying I wish more details would have been given.

Update:

Thank you for responding. You have confirmed what I had stated. The game description does not state that there will be no difference in graphics on an iPhone for the HD version. I have an iPhone 6s. That is why more details are necessary so one doesn't pay the extra money for nothing. I hope this helps someone else thinking of getting this game.

Switching the phone over to have the home bearoff at the top is not a solution. That puts the words upside down and I have to lock the orientation. Other backgammon apps in the app store have the option.

Thanks

07/18/18 update...

The game design issues I've brought up matter nothing compared to the real issue. Now that I've been playing this game for awhile I totally agree with those who state the AI cheats. It takes away the enjoyment of playing backgammon. I can play with the exact same strategy of the AI but will not get the same results. It gets the exact rolls it needs to succeed and never has to worry about me receiving a competing roll. I don't receive any of the types of rolls the AI gets, period. Time to quit. How sad.

OFFLINE PLAY: I truly believe this is a great app- especially for offline play. Many people in their reviews state that the computer happens to get “the perfect dice rolls”, thus is rigged/manipulated. I am not too sure about this myself. Indeed, more often than not, the computer manages to roll the exact combination is needs, and also has managed to roll four doubles in a row. It does seem to be at least slightly favorable to its own play. HOWEVER, though frustrating, I’m not too upset about this because all in all, I am trying to become a stronger player- what better way to become better if you’re facing a near-impossible scenario?

ONLINE PLAY: I made the in-app purchase for the online package so I can play live matches. It’s great but I have a few criticisms. The first, is the ongoing issue of the app crashing during online matches. The developer(s) claim it’s an issue with Game Center, not the app itself. I’m not too sure how this may be the case, but admittedly, I don’t know enough about why this may be occurring. I’m the many other reviews complaining about this reoccurring issue, the developer simply states that “it’s an issue with Game Center, and that you should just play offline”. Additionally, I have seen the developer respond to others by telling them to file a complaint to Apple about this Game Center hiccup. THIS is what is most frustrating out of EVERYTHING. If this is a reoccurring issue that the majority of players are experiencing the developer should be the one to reach out to Apple. The developer should be the one attempting to find a resolution with Apple’s Game Center. After all, the developer is the party with a direct relationship with Apple. It seems that the app developer simply does not want to put in too much direct effort into finding a resolution to this issue [since he/they claim that they’ve ran programs to support their claim that the issue is with Game Center, not the app]. Instead of him reaching out, he just responds to other reviewers by telling them to do it for him, essentially. Extremely frustrating and speaks volumes in regards to one’s lack of active investment to satisfying customers/consumers.

To only further support my claims of the lack of active involvement in better this backgammon app, at the time of writing this review (July 4th) the last time this app was updated was a WHOLE FIVE (5) MONTHS AGO. This certainly doesn’t seem to represent a developer’s active involvement and investment into bettering this app.

Understand that I truly do like this app. It’s functionality and features are terrific. But because it’s so unstable and because it seems like the developer isn’t demonstrating active, ongoing efforts, I cannot suggest anyone to download this app UNLESS THEY INTEND TO PLAY OFFLINE ONLY.

I sincerely hope the developer will take the time to read this, and digest these words. Please be more involved in trying to resolve the crash issue when playing online. You are the one with a direct relationship with Apple, not us. Maintaining active, open communication with Apple in order to find the issue is a must if you truly want to satisfy your players.

This is the best graphics and interface by a large margin.

That being said, this game cheats and no one will convince me that it does not look ahead at the upcoming rolls among a couple of other glaring cheating tactics.

Absolutely the best backgammon program outside of Snowie, hands down.

Update: Still the best if you can play it without it crashing or disconnecting. The game became unstable after the upgrade to iOS 11, and now at 11.0.3 it is almost unplayable. I have just disabled Game Center per the faq and will see if that helps, but even if it does, who cares? I prefer live games, but the crashes and disconnects make me want to play elsewhere or on another platform. NJ Software says it is Apple’s problem, but it’s bad news for NJ if it doesn’t get fixed. Cannot recommend if nobody is going to figure out a solution. A dead ap until then, and a real shame.

Update to the Update: the information to disable Game Center was given on the BackgammonNJ forum by Backgammon NJ and was the same advice you just gave me in your response - disable Game Center to prove it is the fault of Game Center, not Backgammon NJ. Well, ok, but all that ‘proves’ is that the two programs are in conflict. The functionality of the online play is still compromised. Lay blame where you will, but that feature is what I use and continues to be promised by you, the developer. Saying that only a very small percentage of us use the online match feature so it’s ok is just lame. I have purchased both the iOS and the Android versions and the Android version is fine. I personally don’t care to play on my phone due to the screen size; I prefer the iPad. Regardless, I will be moving out of Android soon when my new iPhone X is delivered, so now I am screwed unless someone fixes this.

My guess is BackgammonNJ will need to find the fix, because it is a pretty small tail that is trying to wag Apple. And until it is addressed, I cannot recommend the program so long as it touts the online game on iOS platforms. It is a superb program if all you want to do is play bots. To me, it is the human game that matters most.

Update #2: Online games crash as much as ever. I have resorted to ridiculous 1 pt. matches to increase the likelihood of completing the online game, which takes the cube out of play and really isn’t very much fun. I have re-read the repetitive canned response that “it is Game Center’s fault, nothing can be done” and it is as tiresome as the crashes themselves. Ok, it’s Game Center’s fault. How about MOVING TO A DIFFERENT PLATFORM? I would pay for a new version in second, as would most iOS users who understand how good this program is.

I guess Mr. Hu figures he will just wring what dollars he can out of this code. He still deceptively claims that you can play online on the iOS version to sell more copies. This is borderline fraud, and it should stop. Lame, lame, lame.

Final Update: Buy for Android, but don’t waste your money if playing on iOS. Nothing but crashes when playing on-line. Inexplicable and you never know when they will happen. Match just crashed when I touched the chat button to politely respond to a message. Terribleness, Jimmy Hu.

Cheats Indisputable. I have played this app for years, it is very obvious it cheats.

The game cheats more and more based on the skill setting you have selected! The developer claims there are random dice rolls, but this is completely untrue! Don’t buy this game unless you like increasing frustration! I deleted my game!

Fully featured app. Every permutation you could want. Dice tracking available for those times when it seems like everyone else gets good rolls! Never crashes or hangs.

I've played this game for many years and I am still drawn back to it because of the look and gameplay, until I ultimately get frustrated again and move back to some other time killer like hearts or solitaire.

I agree with the cheating comments... this game gets too many perfect rolls and it is not equal in return. It makes me feel that either the people with the non cheating comments haven't played much or are family and friends of the developer.

I really wish the rolls were more random. This would make for a very good game.

Disappointed!

2nd Review... if you love playing against cheats, then this is the game for you. I guess you should feel happy if you win because the odds are biased against you.

If you take any time playing this game from easy, moving up to expert you will quickly notice that the AI skill of play does not get better, it’s dice rolls get better. That is not fair play.

I bought this game because it touts fair dice rolling, that’s just not the case. Amazing how the AI always gets what it needs and you never do.

AI can look ahead like many reviewers noted. Not realistic, just a gadget that gets annoying.

To your reply: What you mention on your site basically states that the dice can be anticipated. The obvious proof that the app takes advantage of that fact is that it does make apparently senseless moves that later appear to be beneficial for the AI. Not sure why you made the choice to manipulate. It turns an otherwise nice and smooth Interaction design into a silly gadget.

2nd Reply: It is nice that you take pride in your game. Also I take pride in my play. I have played BG for 40 years all over the world with partners of various cultures and different strategic approaches. After a 100 or more games we usually always ended up more less 50/50. If I play your app rolling manual dice I win the AI at least 60/40. If the app runs the dice, I loose against the AI 40/60. So, to me, it is either a weaker or a cheating partner. As a professor for strategic management I would be interested how exactly it takes advantage, but as a player I get just bored. It is a pity as the Interaction Design is great and it runs very smoothly. This sentence, in your proofs, does not make sense: “If you prefer, you can play the manual roll game first and the auto-roll game second.” I uninstalled the app. Would not recommend.

Board and in game experience are good but the app crashes frequently.

This is the buggiest f*cking app I’ve ever come across! Extremely frustrating to say the least! Constant crashing! Frozen screens! I’ve taken my time to write this review. I’ve given this developer plenty of time to correct the issues. ✌🏼out!

This game is so bad

Very unfair with a bunch of bugs

This app is very good. Best one I have run across anyway. I use it for real time matches mostly but seems recently fewer matches are being found. Not only that, the matches that are found are with the same group of 20-25 people almost always. Seems strange since there are hundreds (if not thousands) that play real time. Just an observation ....

When in multiplayer Game Center mode, the game constantly crashes.

I’ve been a faithful user of NJ HD for years. For the past several months the program has become unstable and will drag and completely close in the middle of a game. It’s happened on numerous occasions - very frustrating. All iOS and apps are updated on a regular, timely basis. I’ve even deleted and reinstalled the program, nothing seems to help. Before this issue popped up, I’d have rated this 5 stars.

This backgammon app will take you from being a mediocre player to being a surprisingly good one if you can stand the pain. The pain is from getting beat by the computer again and again. I found a few strategies that helped. I turned off the sound at first. I varied the levels and turned on the hint button. I let it show me my mistakes. I learned not to get annoyed easily. I take pride at winning matches now. This is a fine app is you let it teach you.

Despite what the developer says, this app is lazy. Increasing level of difficulty should mean that the AI strategy becomes more sophisticated. Instead, it just means that the AI gets “luckier” rolls.

Not only that, but your rolls become less lucky depending on the situation. Like clockwork, when the game becomes a race to the finish, the number of ones and twos you roll seem to increase.

I have had this app for 6 years. For the first 4 the app worked well. Lately, the last 2 years, the app will intermittently crash, I’m talking every day several times a day. I’ve contacted the company and their excuse is it’s Game Center’s issue. That might be well and true, but it’s your app, your getting our money for it and it is defective, please fix it. So if you want a problem free backgammon experience, DO NOT BUY THIS APP UNTIL ITS FIXED.

I just downloaded this app. How do you set it so you don’t have to tap when it’s the IA’s turn after you’ve already rolled?

Some of the most dishonest dice I have ever played against. The simplest and easiest proof of this is using manual rolls vs the Computer “random” rolls. My record is way way better using manual dice rolls. All the other BS you are spewing about fair rolls and random dice goes out the window with that simple test.

Update: continue to compare manual rolls vs app “random rolls”. As I accumulate more games it is even more obvious the dice are not random with this app. I barely can beat game 35 % of Time with their rolls. I win 50% with manual rolls. Very dishonest dice in this app.

Up to 46 games with manual rolls and I have won 21. Your program isn’t quite as strong as you claim.

Hey Jimmy, it’s amazing how much weaker your program is when it doesn’t control the dice!!!!!

Sorry Developer Jimmy, but I have played on your backgammon board too many times now and statistically I can see that the board knows the Opponent’s next move and the dice are tossed accordingly. I would like to cancel my account with you and play for free on another cheating game but how does one go about unsubscribing??? Yet another little snit for us folks out here, getting off the game!!! Please respond so I can stop paying and playing. 🙏

This game is completely fixed. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Do not use.

Get real. No cheating here. Move along. Nothing to see. If concerned, roll real dice for a while already.

Excellent, mostly-intuitive user interface. Unobtrusive hints option. Really smooth play without distractions.

Very responsive support by email.

NJ is my favorite iPhone BG app, and I've tried a dozen of them. Only "XG Mobile Backgammon" seems to have stronger AI.

Turn-based PvP network play is there and works, but use of GameCenter is awkward. Since most users don’t use this, developer isn’t doing much to improve PvP. DailyGammon on web has been better option for me.

Cheating accusations against strong backgammon programs are widespread. See also (www dot aifactory dot co dot uk/backgammon dot htm) for discussion of the issue.

Author works hard to explain how you can test for cheating, yet none of the whiners take the time to try them. Just based on their (claimed) superior skill and experience, it "feels" wrong. Yes, some rolls are surprising and seem to favor the machine. Others not so much, but that doesn't prove cheating.

Not a fair match because AI wins 99.9 times.