# Backgammon NJ HD — Play vs. AI, friend, or online

> Advanced AI backgammon game with online multiplayer and learning tools. (iPhone/iPad app by Jimmy Hu.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jimmy Hu](https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy
- Price: $7.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 3,647 App Store ratings · 571 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.4 · 55 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-05-18
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665/reviews.md

## What is Backgammon NJ HD?

● GAME CENTER -- Play online, chat, invite friends, auto-match with random players
   { Real-time } Play online in real-time
   { Turn-based } Play online at your own pace
● VERSATILE -- Play offline vs. computer or against another person in 2-player mode
● CUSTOMIZABLE -- More options than any other backgammon app
● UNIVERSAL -- Supports iPad, iPhone, & iPod touch

Play & learn backgammon at skill levels from beginner to world-class!

Backgammon NJ HD is a full-featured game which uses an advanced, neural network-based, artificial intelligence. Play against a computer AI, another person in 2-player mode on one device, or online against friends & others. Using Tutor Mode & Hints, Backgammon NJ HD can show you how to improve your game.

Discriminating players will appreciate how well the AI plays. It uses a neural network trained on millions of positions, a bearoff database, & a match equity table to achieve strong gameplay that will challenge even expert players.

REVIEWS

"[I] know strong bg play when I see it. This app is the strongest iPhone bg app I've played with by far. It does not cheat period. ...Analyzing these matches with eXtreme Gammon confirms a world class level of play with normal luck factors. If you are losing, get over it. So would 99.9% of the other backgammon players in the world. It is just that good. Learn from it." -Richard Munitz, Giant of Backgammon, #21 world ranking in 2009

"Backgammon NJ plays at an extremely high level with an excellent interface, and I often use it to practice on my iPhone when I am traveling. I recommend it highly to my students & friends." -Phil Simborg, Professional Backgammon Teacher & Player, www.mindgamescenter.com

"I've played over 500 games now; I've checked about 5% of these against World Class Desktop programs (GNU, BGBlitz); and I've actually used some of the competition. NJ has the best interface & has more useful functions than any other backgammon apps out there."

"For serious backgammon players, Backgammon NJ is the way to go." -Macworld.com, May 2012

IS THIS GAME RIGHT FOR YOU?

This game is best for people:

• Who recognize the strength of neural network backgammon bots
• Who want to improve their game by playing against a world-class level AI
• Who will use the in-depth, technical features included in the app to prove that it is honest (https://www.njsoftware.com/note.html)
• Who won't expect to win consistently on the higher skill levels

FEATURES

• Neural network-based AI
• 2 game types: Standard Backgammon or Nackgammon
• 4 skill levels: Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert
• Customizable board design & checker colors
• Mersenne Twister algorithm for random number generation
• Doubling cube
• Single games or match play up to 25 pts
• Crawford rule for match play
• 1-player mode vs. computer
• 2-player mode on one device
• Game Center: Play real-time or turn-based online matches with friends & other players
• Chat with your online opponent
• Online Elo & Experience leaderboards
• Block list for auto-match
• Tap-to-move interface
• Highlighted checker movement options
• Hint & Undo
• Learn with Tutor Mode
• Game & dice stats, including Elo rating & ER
• Match info: GnuBG ID, win chances, equity, top 10 moves, cube decisions
• Email match files
• Practice mode with unlimited undo (1-player vs. computer)
• Manual match recording mode with unlimited undo & speed mode option
• Options to reverse board direction, resign, use one-tap moves, auto bearoff, auto finish, use Jacoby rule, & much more
• Match analysis (in-app purchase): Analyze past match files, view moves & errors for match, step through match, jump to position, play from position, save match files permanently

IMPORTANT

• If an online match ends for any reason, you'll receive the Elo pts you deserve. FAQ: https://gamecenter.njsoftware.com
• Contact us for help: https://contact.njsoftware.com

## Key features

- Neural network AI
- Online multiplayer (real-time & turn-based)
- 2-player mode on one device
- Tutor Mode & Hints
- Customizable board and checkers
- Match play and single games
- Game Center integration

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $7.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Analysis Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Online VIP | $2.99 | one-time |
| Power User | $4.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #72 in Top Paid · Board (US App Store)
- #190 in Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

## What do users think of Backgammon NJ HD?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 💻 Excellent backgammon app
- 🧠 Challenging AI opponent
- 🔍 Helpful analysis and stats
- 📚 Great for learning and improving

**Cons**

- 🎲 Questionable dice rolls and randomness
- 🤖 AI appears to cheat or have unfair advantage
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 💰 Paid app with in-app purchases

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes
- Unreliable online play and matchmaking
- Issues with syncing progress across devices

**Most requested features**

- Manual dice rolling option
- Ability to undo moves
- Improved online/multiplayer experience
- More difficulty levels

## Recent user reviews (10 of 571)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Quitting

*2026-08-10, version 7.0.3*

Do not agree with awarding points to players that quit. Overall a good design and game. TY

### 5/5 — My brother

*2026-08-07, version 7.0.3*

I love Joseph.

### 3/5 — Not a BAD AI backgammon game

*2026-07-27, version 7.0.3*

Well, it still cheats. Yes I have read the statistics, but I also got a set of physical dice and rolled the move for each player. With the manual tools, the win rate between the human and the AI is about 50/50. Without the manual rolls, AI wins all the time, having exactly the needed rolls at exactly the correct time.
The interface is fabulous, the piece movement is great. 
You can’t blame the AI for wanting to win and having a way to make it occur!

### 5/5 — Not Random

*2026-07-24, version 7.0.3*

The rolls are not true. I play all the time with a board and other apps.

### 1/5 — The computer cheats

*2026-07-22, version 7.0.3*

I’ve put it to the test. It’s not random or coincidence.

### 1/5 — Cheats

*2026-07-22, version 7.0.3*

Regularly pulls high odd roles out of it’s pocket.

### 1/5 — Completely rigged

*2026-07-17, version 7.0.3*

Game is so rigged you can predict the rolls.  Total joke.

### 4/5 — Great version

*2026-07-15, version 7.0.3*

Discovered recently you can look at future dice rolls for either player.  Interesting but don’t use it.  The one thing I’d LOVE is a tutorial mode.  Telling me when there’s a better move - and maybe why.  Even without it’s a great way to learn how to play.

### 2/5 — Cheats

*2026-07-13, version 7.0.3*

Very frustrating. I love the UI. I am an experienced backgammon player. The dice are not random. This app cheats.

### 5/5 — Been playing this a long time

*2026-06-30, version 7.0.3*

I am a very good backgammon player and have played ever since I was a kid. I started playing backgammon NJ several years ago and have I gotten play regularly on expert level. It has definitely improved my game over time and I have learned new strategies, some of which are almost counterintuitive. Specifically it has taught me to be more aggressive and take appropriate risks. Great game.

## Frequently asked questions about Backgammon NJ HD

### What is Backgammon NJ HD?

Backgammon NJ HD is a comprehensive backgammon application that allows you to play against a sophisticated neural network AI, another person locally on the same device, or opponents online. It offers features designed to help players improve their game, including tutor mode and hints.

### How can I play with others?

You can play with others through Game Center, which supports both real-time and turn-based online matches. You can also invite friends to play or be auto-matched with random players. Additionally, a 2-player mode is available for local play on a single device.

### Is Backgammon NJ HD free to play?

The application is free to download and play, but it does offer in-app purchases. These purchases may enhance the user experience or provide additional features, though the core gameplay and online multiplayer are accessible without them.

### What makes the AI so strong?

The AI in Backgammon NJ HD is powered by an advanced neural network trained on millions of positions. It also utilizes a bearoff database and a match equity table, enabling it to achieve a world-class level of play that can challenge even expert human players.

### Can this app help me improve my backgammon skills?

Yes, the app is designed to help players improve. It includes a Tutor Mode and Hints feature that can guide you through your games. Playing against the strong AI and analyzing your matches can also provide valuable learning opportunities.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.0.3 — 2024-10-06

v7.0.1:
- Added "Stop Auto Finish When Doubled" option
- Added "Display Statistic/Meter" option
- Added "Match File/Info Export" option (includes Share function)
- Added "Swap Match File Player Position" option
- Added "Analyze Most Recent Match" option to Double Tap & Swipe Left on Status Meter settings (included in Analysis Package in-app purchase)
- Native resolution graphics for iPad mini 6th Gen
- Updated for iOS 18
- Minor bug fixes

v7.0.3:
- Fixed issue where some online play buttons were not being grayed out

### 7.0.1 — 2024-10-02

- Added "Stop Auto Finish When Doubled" option
- Added "Display Statistic/Meter" option
- Added "Match File/Info Export" option (includes Share function)
- Added "Swap Match File Player Position" option
- Added "Analyze Most Recent Match" option to Double Tap & Swipe Left on Status Meter settings (included in Analysis Package in-app purchase)
- Native resolution graphics for iPad mini 6th Gen
- Updated for iOS 18
- Minor bug fixes

### 6.3.9 — 2020-05-11

v6.3.1:
- Fixed turn-based invite crash
- Fixed bug where offline match progress would be lost in some cases after exiting a turn-based match
- Minor bug fixes

v6.3.9:
- Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices

### 6.3.7 — 2020-05-06

v6.3.1:
- Fixed turn-based invite crash
- Fixed bug where offline match progress would be lost in some cases after exiting a turn-based match
- Minor bug fixes

v6.3.7:
- Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices

### 6.3.5 — 2020-05-03

v6.3.1:
- Fixed turn-based invite crash
- Fixed bug where offline match progress would be lost in some cases after exiting a turn-based match
- Minor bug fixes

v6.3.5:
- Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices

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## More apps by Jimmy Hu

- [Backgammon NJ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj/id328168559)

All apps by Jimmy Hu: https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562

## Related topics

[backgammon nj hd](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-nj-hd) · [backgammon nj](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-nj) · [backgammon by staple games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-by-staple-games)

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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 2026-08-29.*
