# Backgammon NJ — Play vs. AI, friend, or online > Advanced backgammon game with AI, local, and online multiplayer modes. (iPhone/iPad app by Jimmy Hu.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj/id328168559 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jimmy Hu](https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562) - Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy - Price: $4.99 with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.40/5 from 1,498 App Store ratings · 396 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.4 · 20 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2009-09-01 - Data updated: 2026-08-25 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj/id328168559/reviews.md ## What is Backgammon NJ? ● 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 Play & learn backgammon at skill levels ranging from beginner to world-class! Backgammon NJ 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 & other players. Using Tutor Mode & Hints, Backgammon NJ 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 and friends." -Phil Simborg, Professional Backgammon Teacher and 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 and 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 points • 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 • User-friendly, tap-to-move interface • Highlighted checker movement options • Hint & Undo • Learn with Status Meter & 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 opponent - Online multiplayer (real-time & turn-based) - Local 2-player mode - Tutor Mode and Hints - Customizable board and checkers - Match play up to 25 points - Game Center integration ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: $4.99. **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 - #39 in Top Paid · Board (US App Store) - #127 in Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store) ## What do users think of Backgammon NJ? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 🚀 Excellent gameplay - 🤖 Challenging AI opponent - 📊 Detailed game analysis and statistics - 👍 Smooth and intuitive interface - 🏆 Helps improve player skills **Cons** - 🎲 Perceived unfairness in dice rolls - 🤖 AI opponent seen as cheating or having an unfair advantage - 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues - 💰 Expensive for a mobile game **Commonly reported bugs** - Forced moves not always the best option - Inconsistent behavior in auto-bear-off mode - Online games prone to disconnections and timeouts **Most requested features** - Manual dice roll option to verify randomness - Ability to set custom difficulty levels - Online multiplayer with chat functionality - Improved tutorial and learning resources ## Recent user reviews (10 of 396) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj/id328168559/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Cheats *2026-08-15, version 7.0.2* Had to remove. Definitely knows the dice rolls in advance. What’s the point of playing against an opponent that has an advantage? ### 2/5 — Dice so biased it’s amusing… *2026-08-15, version 7.0.2* Don’t play the computer, it cheats very badly, often so biased it can be hilarious! It’s a pity the program doesn’t have enough skill to play a challenging and fair match, just relying on better dice than you for each situation, meaning you can’t learn from it, but the app is ok if you can find a real person to play, but there aren’t many of them. But overall a fair enough app to pass a few hours considering it’s free. ### 1/5 — RIGGED BEYOND BELIEF *2026-08-13, version 7.0.2* Holy cow - what a waste of $5. This game doesn’t even TRY to be fair. The computer rolls doubles more than 50% of the time during every single game. If I get a double, it’s only for ones. Hilarious. Greed is a terrible thing. Do not support this developer with your money like I did. The developer is a con. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS APP!!! ### 5/5 — Great game! *2026-08-11, version 7.0.2* Great ### 2/5 — Questionable *2026-08-10, version 7.0.2* Even though this game came highly touted for fairness, the more I play the more I’m annoyed. Over and over again the rolls require you to compromise your position, especially in critical times like near the end of the round, then you split your pips and they will roll and knock you out every time. This was why I deleted the last backgammon app I had. It’s so frustrating. Maybe not so noticeable to play here and there but I’m playing multiple games during flights and it just becomes too predictive. Oh no, I can only split and … yup, I’m knocked back and then am stuck with no option to move until… wait for it, they get all their chits home and start casting off. Can’t believe I paid money for this thinking it’d be better. ### 1/5 — It’s fun at first but, well, you’ll see….. *2026-07-27, version 7.0.2* Totally playable on hard and above. Give it 5,000 rolls and then check the stats. Same pattern over and over again. App deleted. ### 5/5 — My favorite board *2026-07-21, version 7.0.2* This just seems like old-fashioned backgammon weather without all the flashing stuff, it’s easy and fun and it’s my go to when I feel like I need a game ### 1/5 — Don’t believe the feedback of roll authenticity *2026-07-21, version 7.0.2* You guys are liars! Your rolls are not authentic! Too many doubles are thrown especially in real time. And I’m not saying this because I’m losing. I’m saying this because I get the benefit as well. I noticed often the higher ranked players get extremely “lucky” when they down and out but somehow manage throw multiple doubles ( 2 to 4 doubles) at the very end in a race scenario to win their way out. ### 2/5 — Horrible random rolling *2026-07-18, version 7.0.2* Game seems rigged for the computer, always rolling exactly what would be beneficial. Awful stuff don’t waste your money. UI isn’t bad. ### 3/5 — Bs on fair rolls *2026-07-10, version 7.0.2* Not going to read supposed documents. Ok interface with options, rolls are not random ## Frequently asked questions about Backgammon NJ ### What is Backgammon NJ? Backgammon NJ is a comprehensive backgammon application that allows you to play against a highly advanced, neural network-based artificial intelligence. You can also play against another person on the same device or compete with players online through Game Center. ### How can I improve my backgammon skills with this app? The app offers a 'Tutor Mode' and 'Hints' feature designed to help you learn and improve your backgammon game. By playing against the world-class AI and utilizing these learning tools, you can analyze your gameplay and identify areas for improvement. ### What are the different ways to play? You can play offline against the computer AI in various skill levels, from Easy to Expert. There's also a 2-player mode for local matches on a single device. For online play, you can connect with friends or random players in real-time or turn-based matches via Game Center. ### Is this app free to play? The application is free to download and play, with in-app purchases available. This allows you to enjoy the core game and its features while offering optional enhancements. ### What makes the AI so strong? The AI in Backgammon NJ is powered by a neural network trained on millions of game positions. It also incorporates a bearoff database and a match equity table, contributing to its strong gameplay that can challenge even expert players. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 7.0.2 — 2024-10-06 v7.0: - 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) - Updated for iOS 18 - Minor bug fixes v7.0.2: - Fixed issue where some online play buttons were not being grayed out ### 7.0 — 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) - Updated for iOS 18 - Minor bug fixes ### 6.3.8 — 2020-05-11 v6.3: - 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 v6.3.8: - Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices ### 6.3.6 — 2020-05-06 v6.3: - 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 v6.3.6: - Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices ### 6.3.4 — 2020-05-03 v6.3: - 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 v6.3.4: - Fixed issue running app on iOS 10.x devices ## Apps similar to Backgammon NJ | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Backgammon NJ HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665) | 4.5 (3,647) | $7.99 | Games | | [Backgammon Plus - Board Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-plus-board-games/id1619948547) | 4.6 (4,652) | Free | Games | | [Dice With Buddies: Social Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dice-with-buddies-social-game/id432750508) | 4.5 (32,500) | Free | Games | | [Backgammon Classic Board Live](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-classic-board-live/id544018782) | 4.2 (52,943) | Free | Games | | [Yatzy & Farkle: Dice World](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yatzy-and-farkle-dice-world/id553269986) | 4.6 (5,951) | Free | Games | | [Backgammon Live™ Board Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-live-board-game/id739095641) | 4.7 (61,678) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Jimmy Hu - [Backgammon NJ HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665) All apps by Jimmy Hu: https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562 ## Related topics [backgammon nj](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-nj) · [backgammon nj hd](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-nj-hd) · [backgammon mighty](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-mighty) · [backgammon friends online](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/backgammon-friends-online) --- *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 2026-08-25.*