Comparison

Backgammon 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

Experience the classic board game of Backgammon on your mobile device. Play against AI opponents or challenge friends and family online or offline. Master strategy and luck to climb leaderboards and unlock achievements.

Highlights
  • Play for free without limitations
  • Play against varied computer opponents
  • Compete online against global players
  • Challenge friends and family locally
  • Climb online highscore leaderboards
  • Unlock achievements
Read full description

Play the LITE Games version of the popular board game Backgammon now for free on your iPhone and iPad with offline and online multiplayer mode. Features: - Play for free without limitations - Play against a variety of unique computer opponents with different play styles - Compete online against opponents from all over the world - Challenge your friends and family on the same device - Climb to the top of the online highscore leaderboard Backgammon, also known as Tavla, is a two players board game that involves a combination of strategy and luck, due to rolling dice. The goal is to remove all of one’s own playing pieces from the board before the opponent can do the same. While the dice can determine the outcome of a single game, strategy is what separates the good and the better players over a series of games. Learn the game, work on your tactics and unlock amazing achievements. Experience thrilling matches through the global online matchmaking or hone your skills versus the computer. Challenge your friends and family offline or online regardless of what phone or operating system they use through our great multiplayer modes – as long as the game is available on their phone you can play together! Play Backgammon now for free! With the right strategy, tactics and observation skills you will eventually find yourself amongst the top players of the LITE Games community and earn yourself a spot in the global leaderboards. Can you make it? The Backgammon board game is offered in high quality localization in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish & Russian. The game is perfect for fans of Checkers, Othello or Mills and offers a strategic challenge for beginners as well as experienced veterans. Join in and get yourself a top spot in our player community. The 10 best players will be proudly displayed each week on https://www.lite.games/games/Backgammon/ _________________ FAQ: Why did you change the game? The former version was no longer compatible with iOS 11 (it wouldn't start or crash in most cases). The code base of the former version was too old to just be updated which is why we needed to rebuild the game from scratch. We used this opportunity to also implement a multiplayer mode and update the graphics. How can I play the former / old version of Backgammon? You can only play the old version if you don't update the game and use a device that uses iOS 10.3.3 or lower. Where is the "Undo" button? After your first move, there will be a circular arrow pointing to the left, at the bottom right of the board. Tapping the arrow will undo your move. ________________ You can find our general terms and conditions here: http://tc.lite.games ...and our privacy policy here: http://privacy.lite.games Visit us for more free iPhone and iPad games: https://www.lite.games https://www.facebook.com/LiteGames Or give us your app feedback here: support@lite.games Thanks for playing!

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

Backgammon4 screens
XG Mobile Backgammon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon at 4.5 against XG Mobile Backgammon's 3.9. Backgammon also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). XG Mobile Backgammon's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. XG Mobile Backgammon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Backgammon asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Backgammon holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 588 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 32% and 31% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backgammon ships an update every 2 months, XG Mobile Backgammon every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Backgammon versus XG Mobile Backgammon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackgammonXG Mobile Backgammon
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (588 ratings) — better3.9 (1.2K ratings)
Positive reviews31.6% of reviews — better31.1% of reviews
Number of ratings5881.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.06.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size215 MB60 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperLITE Games GmbHOpen Roll, LLC

Customer experience

Backgammon

All ratings588 ratings
Positive88.3%
Neutral4.1%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews272 reviews
Positive31.6%
Neutral10.7%
Negative57.7%

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

From 588 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💎 Best backgammon app
  • 👍 Enjoyable gameplay
  • 🎨 Great graphics and design

Room to improve

  • 🎲 Unfair dice rolls
  • 🤖 AI cheats or is too lucky
  • 🔍 Lack of transparency in game mechanics
  • 🛑 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 📺 Excessive ads and interruptions

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

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Game freezing or locking up
  • Incorrect game outcome reporting
  • Issues with screen orientation and touch responsiveness

Requested features

5 requests
  • Customizable board and piece designs
  • Offline play mode
  • Detailed game statistics and analytics
  • Ability to disable 'show possible moves' feature
  • Resign option during games

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

None

Backgammon

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

XG Mobile Backgammon

One-time1
  • Premium Version$9.99

Questions

Is Backgammon free?
Backgammon is free to download, with no 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 or XG Mobile Backgammon?
Backgammon is rated higher. Backgammon averages 4.5 out of 5 from 588 ratings, while XG Mobile Backgammon averages 3.9 from 1.2K ratings.
Do Backgammon or XG Mobile Backgammon have ads?
Backgammon shows ads; XG Mobile Backgammon does not.
Which is updated more often, Backgammon or XG Mobile Backgammon?
Backgammon ships an update every 2 months, and XG Mobile Backgammon every 6 weeks. Most recently, Backgammon was updated on October 19, 2026 and XG Mobile Backgammon on October 19, 2026.

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