Comparison

Backgammon NJ HD vs XG Mobile Backgammon

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Backgammon NJ HD

Play backgammon against a powerful AI, a friend on the same device, or players worldwide. Improve your skills with tutor mode and detailed analysis. Offers customizable options and supports all iOS devices.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

● 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

About

XG Mobile Backgammon

Master the classic game of backgammon with the world's strongest backgammon program. Play against skilled computer opponents or friends, and receive real-time analysis to improve your skills. This app offers a comprehensive learning and playing experience for all levels.

Highlights
  • Strongest backgammon AI
  • Play against computer opponents
  • Tutor mode with mistake analysis
  • 2-player mode for live matches
  • Backgammon and NackGammon variations
  • Save and analyze games
  • Competition mode
Features
Read full description

Learn how to play the classic game of backgammon like a pro with the strongest backgammon program in the world. The app endorsed by the US Backgammon Federation (USBGF) and featured in PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine is available for FREE in the App Store! XG Mobile lets you play unlimited matches live against friends or hone your skills in tutor mode vs. an array of skilled computer opponents. XG Mobile is the portable version of the acclaimed program "eXtreme Gammon" for PC. You can now have the power and accuracy of eXtreme Gammon in the palm of your hands. XG Mobile is the perfect app for all strengths of players: • Are you a beginner? no worries, XG Mobile will let you know when you make a mistake. That’s a fun and efficient way to improve your skills • Are you an expert player? You can practice against a world class opponent. Trust the pros opinions: - NEIL KAZAROSS (6 time American Backgammon Tour Winner, Backgammon Giant #4): "I can now state that XG is stronger than its competitors on equivalent settings as well as at least several times faster on those settings." - MOCHIZUKI MASAYUKI (2009 World Champion, Backgammon Giant #1): "I like eXtreme Gammon very much. I truly believe this program is the strongest bot in the world." - MICHIHITO KAGEYAMA (Runner up in the 2012 World Championship, Backgammon Giant #2): "[...] this time I took only my iPad at the Backgammon World Championship 2012. I often checked some positions by using XG mobile. It's really fast and easy because iPad starts up in a few seconds, and I can arrange checkers by using touch screen" - CHRIS BRAY (Author, Backgammon Correspondent for The Independent): "My strong recommendation is to invest in XG Mobile. Like the PC version it will quickly become the de facto standard for the game" XG Mobile features: • The strongest backgammon program on iPhone and iPad. • Play against computer opponents ranging in skill from Beginner to World Class. • 2-player mode: play against friends using XG Mobile as a portable board (please note: live play, not online). • Play unlimited sessions or matches. • Choice of Backgammon or NackGammon Variation. • High Quality Graphics (optimized for Retina displays) , choice of multiple boards and checkers. • Share positions on Facebook, twitter etc... • Ask the computer for hint at any time. • Tutor mode analyzes your choice as you play and warns you of any mistake you made, allowing you to reconsider your choice. • Training mode also analyzes your choice as you play and lets you know of any mistake you made. You cannot reconsider your choice • Setup a position, analyze it or even start a session from this position. • Games are Saved and can be copied using iTunes or emailed for later analysis on your Mac or PC. • Extensive profile information tracking your level of play, your results and dice statistics. • Competition mode allows you to play in live tournament conditions (no help, no pip count, etc...). • Integrated help, including backgammon rules. If you’re looking for the best backgammon app on the market, download XG Mobile Backgammon now and enjoy the program players trust most!

Screenshots

Backgammon NJ HD4 screens
XG Mobile Backgammon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: XG Mobile Backgammon at Free against Backgammon NJ HD's $7.99. XG Mobile Backgammon also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.4). Backgammon NJ HD's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (56% vs 31%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

XG Mobile Backgammon is free to download; Backgammon NJ HD costs $7.99 up front. Backgammon NJ HD sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and XG Mobile Backgammon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Backgammon NJ HD holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.6K and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Backgammon NJ HD's written reviews are positive against 31% of XG Mobile Backgammon's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backgammon NJ HD ships an update every 5 months, XG Mobile Backgammon every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Backgammon NJ HD versus XG Mobile Backgammon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackgammon NJ HDXG Mobile Backgammon
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (3.6K ratings) — better3.9 (1.2K ratings)
Positive reviews55.5% of reviews — better31.1% of reviews
Number of ratings3.6K — better1.2K
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.46.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJimmy HuOpen Roll, LLC

Customer experience

Backgammon NJ HD

All ratings3,647 ratings
Positive88.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative8.1%
Written reviews578 reviews
Positive55.5%
Neutral8.0%
Negative36.5%

XG Mobile Backgammon

All ratings1,237 ratings
Positive71.0%
Neutral7.8%
Negative21.3%
Written reviews411 reviews
Positive31.1%
Neutral17.0%
Negative51.8%

User reviews

Backgammon NJ HD

From 3.6K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

XG Mobile Backgammon

From 1.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great tool
  • 🎓 Excellent learning tool
  • 🤖 Extremely strong AI
  • 💯 Best backgammon app

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Freezes and glitches
  • 🎲 Dice rolls not random
  • 🤖 AI cheats/has unfair advantage
  • 🤯 Frustrating/infuriating
  • 💤 Outdated/not updated

Bugs and requests

Backgammon NJ HD

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Frequent crashes
  • Unreliable online play and matchmaking
  • Issues with syncing progress across devices

Requested features

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

XG Mobile Backgammon

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes frequently
  • Dice rolls not displayed
  • Sidebar/menu issues
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Explanations for suggested moves
  • Ability to save/load game positions
  • Multiplayer mode
  • Improved user interface
  • More detailed statistics and analysis

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Backgammon NJ HD

One-time3
  • Analysis Package$2.99
  • Online VIP$2.99
  • Power User$4.99
1 purchases

XG Mobile Backgammon

One-time1
  • Premium Version$9.99

Questions

Is Backgammon NJ HD free?
Backgammon NJ HD costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is XG Mobile Backgammon free?
XG Mobile Backgammon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Backgammon NJ HD or XG Mobile Backgammon?
Backgammon NJ HD is rated higher. Backgammon NJ HD averages 4.5 out of 5 from 3.6K ratings, while XG Mobile Backgammon averages 3.9 from 1.2K ratings.
Do Backgammon NJ HD or XG Mobile Backgammon have ads?
Neither Backgammon NJ HD nor XG Mobile Backgammon shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Backgammon NJ HD or XG Mobile Backgammon?
Backgammon NJ HD ships an update every 5 months, and XG Mobile Backgammon every 6 weeks. Most recently, Backgammon NJ HD was updated on October 12, 2026 and XG Mobile Backgammon on October 13, 2026.

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