# Backgammon NJ vs Backgammon Mastermind

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon Mastermind at 5.0 against Backgammon NJ's 4.4. Backgammon Mastermind also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). Backgammon NJ's advantage is ratings volume (1.5K vs 1) and chart position (#56 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Backgammon NJ costs $4.99 and Backgammon Mastermind $4.99 up front. Backgammon NJ sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Backgammon Mastermind asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backgammon Mastermind holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backgammon NJ has 1.5K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Backgammon NJ ships an update every 9 days, Backgammon Mastermind every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon NJ | Backgammon Mastermind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj/id328168559/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-mastermind/id6792138473/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 51.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#56** | — |
| Size | 20 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.4** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jimmy Hu](https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562) | [Zachary Ebenfeld](https://appshunter.io/developer/1698291308) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon NJ

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

**Currently charting:** #56 Top Paid · Board, #153 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Engage in classic backgammon against a sophisticated AI, a friend on the same device, or players worldwide. Improve your skills with tutor mode and hints, and customize your game experience.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

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

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent gameplay
- 🤖 Challenging AI opponent
- 📊 Detailed game analysis and statistics
- 👍 Smooth and intuitive interface
- 🏆 Helps improve player skills

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 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

**Reported bugs**

- Forced moves not always the best option
- Inconsistent behavior in auto-bear-off mode
- Online games prone to disconnections and timeouts

**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


### Backgammon Mastermind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-mastermind/id6792138473)

Master the classic board game with interactive lessons and AI opponents. Learn rules, practice moves, and play against friends offline. Enjoy a full backgammon experience without ads or accounts.

**Highlights:** Interactive lessons, Heuristic AI opponent, Local 2-player mode, Drag and tap controls, Legal move highlighting, Offline play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon NJ free?

Backgammon NJ costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Backgammon Mastermind free?

Backgammon Mastermind costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Backgammon NJ or Backgammon Mastermind?

Backgammon Mastermind is rated higher. Backgammon NJ averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Backgammon Mastermind averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Backgammon NJ or Backgammon Mastermind have ads?

Neither Backgammon NJ nor Backgammon Mastermind shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon NJ or Backgammon Mastermind?

Backgammon NJ ships an update every 9 days, and Backgammon Mastermind every 6 days. Most recently, Backgammon NJ was updated on October 12, 2026 and Backgammon Mastermind on October 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*