# Absolute Backgammon — user reviews

> 42 indexed App Store user reviews of Absolute Backgammon by David Byrum, rated 2.30/5 from 28 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absolute-backgammon/id714235674/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absolute-backgammon/id714235674.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 7 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 17

## Newest reviews (14 of 42)

### 3/5 — Pick White

*2020-10-02, version 8.8*

I never play against the computer so I don’t have to deal with the issues I’m reading about the computer cheating. I purchased this game to play against friends remotely and it works fairly well remotely. My only issue and it sounds like I’m the only one that has this issue. More times than not the player who picks white statistically over multiple games gets the better rolls. At first I thought okay the person I’m playing for lucky a few times and got the perfect rolls right when they needed them. But it was happening too often. Not every time but more times than not. Finally I started keeping track of the doubles and acey deucy rolls and it’s about 30-70 and I played different friends about 100 times. I didn’t get this to play the computer only to play friends remotely. I know there can be a certain amount of luck to a game I just want to feel it’s more of a random roll and that isn’t the case. I still give it 3 stars.

### 4/5 — Better than most

*2018-10-05, version 7.5.1*

Yes, the computer has more than it’s fair share of doubles, but with enough skill you can still beat it 35% of the time.  Because the app developer knows a lot of good strategy its a good challenge for really good players.  I just wish he would write the same version app that’s completely fair without any computer advantages.  I’d be willing to pay almost anything for an app like that!

### 2/5 — Doubles?

*2018-09-28, version 7.5.1*

Is it me or does the computer roll an incredible amount of doubles constantly? Also, if there are 4 spaces open for me to get back in you can be sure I will roll the wrong ones all the time. Isn’t there a backgammon game that you can play with the computer that has truly random rolls?

### 4/5 — Best Backgammon game I've found

*2016-10-02, version 5.0*

Despite a few occasional bugs, the backgammon logic and play is far superior to any other I've found

### 1/5 — Not worth it

*2016-08-29, version 5.0*

Finding a backgammon game with the proper rules for acey deucey has been impossible.  I'm sure different people may have some different rules but those should be options.  I thought paying $5 to get a game would help. Unfortunately it is almost a complete waste of money.

### 1/5 — Piece of Junk

*2016-08-29, version 5.0*

This game is not working.  I paid good money and it breaks down constantly.  The voice used by the computer sounds like an a psycho-killer.  This is very annoying!!

### 1/5 — Absolute Backgammon

*2016-08-28, version 5.0*

I love the game acey ducey. But the computer cheats so bad. If this was a ole skool roll of the dice ok, but the computer controls the game. If I couldn't play I wouldn't leave a comment. But this is ridiculous. I keep playing just to see how it will cheat on the next game. What can u do? Lhh

### 1/5 — KK

*2016-07-03, version 5.0*

This game is awful. Don't waste your time. It doesn't even keep the correct statistics. It gets every roll it needs every time.

### 1/5 — I bought to play Acey Ducey and can't because it gets caught in a double loop

*2016-05-16, version 5.0*

I'm super bummed as for the most part this looks like it would be amazing and unlike most digital backgammon apps this is one of two that play acey ducey. Sadly though after paying $5 I am not able to play acey ducey as anytime I roll a 1-2 the game gets caught in an infinite doubles loop. 😞 I hope this gets fixed as the game board is lovely otherwise.

UPDATE: they seem to have fixed the loop, however it's incredibly hard to play against the computer as it tends to get the best roles, 2 aces duceys in a row, multiple high number rolls and always gets the exact number needed when you have an alone chip. Doesn't matter what level you choose, beginner or expert. If they can fix that it would be great.

### 1/5 — WARNING......DO NOT BUY

*2016-01-25, version 4.0*

Dice rolling favors computer at all levels. Computer rolls doubles far to often to be random & far more often than human. DO NOT BUY!

### 1/5 — Can't be beat

*2015-10-05, version 4.0*

Do not pay for this. Even at easiest level it can't be beat. There is no difference between easiest and hardest.

### 2/5 — Cheats

*2015-05-25, version 3.0*

I can't count the times I have been about to win, when the game will suddenly get three or more acey deuceys in a row with all the extra rolls hitting double sixes.  Happens to often to be random.

### 1/5 — Low IQ so cheats

*2015-03-04, version 2.0.1*

What this AI lacks in game skills it makes up in rolling exactly what it needs.  Not just one roll it needs, but for entire games at a time.  I can win if it lets me, but most of the time it ensures that is impossible.  Waste of money.  Waste of time.  Nice graphics. Nice sounds. Too bad.

### 1/5 — Puke

*2015-02-27, version 2.0.1*

I've never had so many opportune doubles thrown against me. Garbage. Complete waste of money. Has anyone ever heard of a true random dice throw? Only gets a star cuz I can't dish out negatives. Do not waste your time here.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Acey -Deucy MIA

*2022-11-01, version 8.20*

Not sure what happened to my favorite game, acey-deucy, but it seems to be kicked to the curb. Highly disappointing

### 1/5 — iPhone problems

*2022-10-14, version 8.19*

Does not work with current iOS.

### 1/5 — Bad Random Number Generator

*2021-09-15, version 8.15*

I can only assume the programmers used a poor random number generator to get the dice rolls. Like other comments, the computer seems to roll a lot of acey-deuceys and doubles. I recently played a game where the computer rolled three aces-deuceys in a roll. Not statistically impossible but damned unlikely. Bad game

### 1/5 — I had hoped he had learned

*2021-03-15, version 8.10*

An update. I do play this occasionally. The new update took away my purchase. Buyer beware!

——————-

Back when I first played this on my Mac, it always rolled to put you off, 17 times out of 20 or so. 9 times out of 10 it played first.

The lite version seemed to be better, so I was trusting and bought this.. That was a mistake.

I purposely left a piece alone, just to see what happened. The game rolled what it needed to put me off 16 times in a row. I have played first twice in the last 20 games.

The game cheats. That is the only sensible answer.

### 1/5 — Lost my purchase

*2021-03-15, version 8.10*

I bought the paid version sometime last year and today the game is telling me that I’m playing the lite version!! Why?

### 1/5 — Broken after latest update (March 12 2021)

*2021-03-15, version 8.10*

Enjoyed playing backgammon/acey duecy in the app for years (and not the lite version).  Now app tells me the options are only available in the full version, but the App Store shows that I have the full version and doesn’t give me an option to pay for it even if I was willing to pay.  I can’t restore a previous purchase either since it won’t show any settings/options inside the app. This app needs to be fixed.

### 1/5 — I wish i hadn’t paid for this game

*2020-06-01, version 8.7*

It is “absolute” alright. Absolute cheating ripoff. Unless your masochistic and love getting beat, choose a different game. This is not my 1st rodeo and based on my win/loose record, i am very good in both acey ducey and Backgammon and went through training in the Navy with our squadron spending 6 months in Adak, Alaska with nothing to do in our off time except these two games and players always had an audience of critics. You learn fast ... plus I’ve been playing and teaching others for over 50 years. 
In this”game” the computer ALWAYS get the numbers it needs and you never will. There are FAR fairer Backgammon games out there with random rolls. There are reviews on this that state the opposite but I’m sure friends of the builder or paid. DON’T WAIST YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE (unless the builder can make it fair)

### 1/5 — Computer cheats

*2019-10-07, version 7.9.4*

If you play against the computer the game is rigged. I’ve been ahead significantly many times but have always lost as the computer gives itself a Ely ducey time after time making sure it wins .    What a crock

### 1/5 — Absolute Backgammon -Keep Your Money

*2017-04-08, version 5.0*

I'm surprised this game is still being offered.  Had to tap star to highlight title.  One star is too much.  It cheats.  If I get too far ahead, by playing crazy, it will lock up. If you are playing for enjoyment, you may not find any with this game.  Asked for help from developer, was offered none.  Not expecting it to get better.  May have to get my old manual game back out.

### 1/5 — Dice are stacked!

*2017-01-08, version 5.0*

I agree.  This game could be great but the computer will not let you win.  Really...how can you roll four acey-ducey in a row.  Whenever I get ahead the computer rolls doubles until it wins.  So, no fun to play.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Great game and learning tool

*2021-03-21, version 8.11*

I have been playing Absolute Backgammon on an iPad, a laptop and remotely with a friend for well over a year. Contrary to claims that it is rigged, the game is completely random and fair. I have played hundreds of games; sometimes the dice break your way and sometimes they do not, just like in real life. For one thing it is a fabulous learning tool for a novice or experienced player given that you can play at various levels and ask for suggested moves. This feature also allows you to learn to avoid blunders. Any claim that the game cheats is childish and absurd. There is no incentive whatsoever for David to create a game that is not fair and random. To the contrary he is a very skilled and talented programmer and constantly accepts input and works to improve the game and a players experience. This is a terrific value, the best Backgammon game I have come across. In short, it is a beautiful implementation of a valuable learning tool. Ignore the shallow childish negative reviews.

### 5/5 — Outstanding

*2021-03-19, version 8.11*

Been playing twice a week remotely for a year. Occasional glitches when weather takes out the server but it's otherwise seamless. Of course, when playing the computer it beats me often, but I win my share. Some days I get the rolls and some days the computer does. Seems pretty fair to me.
It's the only backgammon game in the app store I have found that is not full of nagging and extra cr?p. If you just want to learn/play backgammon, this is the one.

### 5/5 — Unbelievable bad reviews

*2018-09-01, version 7.5.1*

This is an excellent game and I unreservedly recommend it. 
To the people writing bad reviews (neophytes or competitors), I say learn about probability. And/or grow up! Some of you sound like beginning players or children. “That word is not in the dictionary, or he cheated, etc.” Why should David cheat? Is that what you call refining an algorithm? He is a conscientious programmer that has always been responsive to sorting out problems and making improvements on his excellent program. What more can one ask for?
If you still feel that something underhanded is going on, I would be happy to play you for money, and you could check out your abilities with a human player. Absolute Backgammon still often thrashes me on the highest level, it is relentless. 
Thank you David, and keep on doing great work.

### 5/5 — It is Fun and Can be Beaten

*2015-10-26, version 4.0*

Those without a willing playmate can find hours of entertainment. Game is set up to play Onesy-Twozy, a great variation on the game. A good way to practice facing a human opponent.

### 5/5 — Acey Duecy

*2015-07-07, version 3.0*

I bought this to play Acey Duecy with my husband and it works just fine. We seldom travel without our board but it's not always convenient to carry about. This has the advantage of no tokens or dice falling off the board. It appears to follow rules we are familiar with from the U.S. Navy, however, it does not recognize an automatic loss if you roll three Acey Duecys in a row. It would also be nice if the app kept track of win-loss stats for individuals.

### 5/5 — Highly Recommended

*2015-01-09, version 2.0.1*

Excellent game!  One of most challenging I've played.  In many of the other Backgammon games available, I find that the Computer Opponent makes some pretty horrible strategy mistakes.  Your's does not.  Although, it does seem that your Computer Opponent takes chances that I wouldn't, it seems to pay-off.  I read one of the other reviews, claiming that the Computer Opponent was cheating, suggesting that the rolls weren't quite "random", and at first, I must confess, I thought so too.  However, after playing for a few weeks, I've concluded that this is not the case, I find that I'm able win approximately 50% of the time, and believe it's made me a better player.  Highly recommended for avid Backgammon players.

### 5/5 — Best Backgammon Game I've Found

*2014-11-14, version 2.0.1*

Great game from a developer who is responsive and updates when needed.  Easy to play and pretty fully featured for an iPad version.  Endless hours of fun.  Level of play is one of the great features....  Good graphics too...

### 5/5 — Absolute backgammon

*2014-11-14, version 2.0.1*

This game is great! The graphics are good and the game is easy to use. It is more challenging than others I have played n a computer. I have been playing backgammon for decades and with very experienced players, and I enjoy this game immensely. I highly recommend!

### 5/5 — Good game

*2014-11-14, version 2.0.1*

I don't get the negative comments. The game is great, those probably don't have a clue of probabilities and further knowledge of the game. Not always ignorance is a bliss.

### 5/5 — Best Backgammon

*2013-12-27, version 1.1.2*

I've been playing David's backgammon on my mac for years. This is just as good. At the hardest level, it is a worthy opponent. It doesn't cheat nor does it give itself better rolls of the dice to win as others do. If you like backgammon, this is the one to get.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*