# Backgammon Guru

> AI-powered backgammon player and tutor with analysis tools. (iPhone/iPad app by BPS Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-guru/id376321433 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [BPS Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/373611652)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Casino
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 87 App Store ratings · 153 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 25 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-06-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-16
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-guru/id376321433/reviews.md

## What is Backgammon Guru?

Backgammon Guru & Backgammon Guru Pro are modern backgammon master-strength Players and Tutors based on the world-class neural net engine from gammonlab.com 

Backgammon Guru and Guru Pro versions feature attractive backgammon boards and support natural checker movement where both dragging and tapping are supported. You can play against the computer or with a friend. 

Guru & Guru Pro support standard Backgammon as well as HyperGammon. They will also allow you to set up any desired position for play and analysis.

Guru & Guru Pro will answer your "what-if" questions, like what if there was a specific roll in a specific position and what's the best possible move there.

In the default Player-Tutor mode, e.g. when you are playing against a master-strength AI, Backgammon Guru & Guru Pro will allow you to substitute a random roll with any specific roll of your choice. You will be able to take back and replay multiple moves as Backgammon Guru & Guru Pro support unlimited undo functionality.

Backgammon Guru Pro version will analyze your match and color-code your errors in a move list. With Backgammon Guru Pro you will be able to navigate your move list interactively and see where you could have played better. You can also email the match to yourself for further analysis. 

While Backgammon Guru Pro by default continuosly shows the equity graph, in Backgammon Guru you would also be able to see, upon request, the statistical chances and best possible moves in any position.

Backgammon Guru Pro supports 4 different skill levels, multi-point matches, doubling, Crawford rule. 

Both Guru & Guru Pro indicate pip count for players, support long moves, sound effects and multiple other options. 

As opposed to Backgammon Guru, Backgammon Guru Pro version has no ads and offers many more options. 

You can always play Backgammon Live and other games for prizes at GameColony.com

## Key features

- Master-strength AI opponent
- Player-Tutor mode
- Position setup and analysis
- Unlimited undo functionality
- Match analysis with error highlighting (Pro)
- Equity graph and statistical chances
- Supports standard and HyperGammon

## What do users think of Backgammon Guru?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy to learn
- 🎮 Engaging and addictive gameplay
- 📚 Excellent for learning backgammon strategy
- 🎨 Good graphics and visual design
- 🔄 Undo/replay feature for learning moves
- 👥 Multiplayer functionality available
- ⭐ Great for beginners and practice
- 🎯 Helpful move analysis and suggestions

**Cons**

- 🎲 Unfair dice rolls - computer gets excessive doubles
- 😤 Computer appears to cheat consistently
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and technical issues
- 📱 Board display problems on certain devices
- 🔊 Poor sound design and limited audio controls
- ⚙️ Poorly programmed game mechanics
- 🎮 Allows illegal moves in some cases
- 💰 Requires payment for basic features (board orientation)
- 📊 Incomprehensible analysis feedback
- 🐌 Slow animation and clunky performance

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Board displays all pips as initial position
- Scrambled board display on iPhone 12 with iOS 14
- Game crashes frequently during gameplay
- Server connection issues prevent auto-move functionality
- Game crashes when changing settings
- Slow and delayed piece animations
- Cramped screen layout with permanent ad banner
- Game doesn't properly handle multiple checkers on bar

**Most requested features**

- Fix continuous doubles bias in dice rolls
- Improve analysis explanations for why moves are good/bad
- Add volume control separate from on/off toggle
- Better visual feedback for selected pieces
- Improve server connection reliability
- Make board orientation free feature
- Add more detailed strategy guidance for beginners

## Recent user reviews (10 of 153)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-guru/id376321433/reviews.md

### 5/5 — A great teacher

*2022-06-12, version 1.4*

I have used three other “tutor” apps over the last few months. This is by far the best one. There is a learning curve that one has to master in order to use all available controls properly. My game is improving. You make a decision and then erase it and let the computer show you the best, correct one. The you can decide whether to use the one you made or the one the computer suggests. This apps will become popular if people try it.

### 1/5 — Rigged, do not download!

*2022-06-07, version 1.4*

Completely rigged.
Enjoy watching the computer ALWAYS roll double 6s or exactly what they need to take your space, while you enjoy only ever rolling 1s and 2s. 
Do not download this garbage.

### 1/5 — Doesn't work

*2021-08-03, version 1.4*

Displays all pips on bar as initial position. Impossible to play.

### 1/5 — Poorly programmed

*2021-01-22, version 1.4*

Backgammon Guru is very poorly programmed.  It cheats!  Several times I had 2 checkers on the bar, and it was at the very beginning of the game, and I could have put both pieces in play, but as soon as I took the first checker off the bar, black started their move.  Also, the random dice generator gives black doubles after a few rolls and they are always double 4s, 5s or 6s.  I got a few doubles but usually my doubles were almost always 1s or occasionally 3s. 

I want to have my money refunded.

### 2/5 — No longer works

*2020-12-02, version 1.4*

Scrambled board on iPhone 12 with iOS 14

### 1/5 — Not worth playing

*2020-11-08, version 1.4*

I downloaded anotherBackgammon game and it became quickly boring because I just won every game one after another. But I downloaded this game, I’ve been playing it On beginner modeI’ve played six games and lost six games. I have been playing for a while, Statistically I should have won at least one of these games.  Not worth playing. I do not recommend.

### 1/5 — Board doesn’t display properly

*2020-07-14, version 1.4*

I like the idea of the stats analysis but the board is just not working at all

### 1/5 — Damages your game

*2020-01-23, version 1.4*

The problem with apps like this which by its own admission has 3 lucky throws to my 0 and 0 unlucky throws to my 2 is that it turns you into an ultra risk averse player. You are a lot better off sticking to a more basic app where the throws are genuinely random.

### 1/5 — Rigged

*2019-02-06, version 1.4*

Also forced me to play upside down. If you wanna switch the board to move clockwise you have to pay.

### 2/5 — Waste of money

*2018-11-21, version 1.4*

Looks nasty. 
Sounds horrible... reminds me of the sound of Lara Croft falling to her death! Sound can be on or off only, ie there’s no way to keep it on but turn it down. 
Will tell you if rolls are great/good/ok/bad/terrible, but not why. You can reset rolls after the game ends so you can see the suggested improvement, but I find looking at a single roll in isolation is no help to me. 
Wish I hadn’t paid the money. 
Will go back to reading Backgammon strategies online.

## Frequently asked questions about Backgammon Guru

### What is Backgammon Guru?

Backgammon Guru is a mobile application designed to help users master the game of backgammon. It features a master-strength AI opponent and acts as a tutor, allowing players to analyze their games, explore different scenarios, and improve their strategic play.

### What are the key features of Backgammon Guru?

Key features include playing against a strong AI, a tutor mode for learning, the ability to set up custom positions for analysis, and unlimited undo functionality. The Pro version offers advanced match analysis with error highlighting and equity graphs.

### How much does Backgammon Guru cost?

The application offers a freemium model. While there is a free version, a 'Pro' version is available which removes ads and provides additional features like advanced analysis and skill levels. Specific pricing details for the Pro version would be found within the app store listing.

### What versions of backgammon does the app support?

The application supports both standard Backgammon and HyperGammon. Users can also set up any desired position for play and analysis, allowing for in-depth exploration of specific game states.

### Can I play against a friend using Backgammon Guru?

Yes, the app allows you to play against the computer or with a friend. This provides flexibility for practicing with different opponents and learning from each other.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2015-07-22

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

ios 8 bugfixes

### 1.3 — 2014-11-08

Bugfixes for iOS 8

### 1.2 — 2014-10-07

Revamped design, error fixes

### 1.1 — 2012-02-03

iOS5 support

### 1.0 — 2010-06-25

No release notes.

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## More apps by BPS Software

- [Backgammon Guru Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-guru-pro/id373611649)
- [Backgammon Live](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-live/id466024106)
- [Cribbage Live](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cribbage-live/id525215125)
- [Gin Rummy GC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gin-rummy-gc/id569086886)
- [Dominoes Live](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dominoes-live/id824118819)

All apps by BPS Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/373611652

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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 2026-08-16.*