Comparison

XG Mobile Backgammon vs Mexican Train

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

Head to head
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!

About

Mexican Train

Engage in a unique dominoes game set on an alien planet. Test your skills against extraterrestrial opponents in this space-themed challenge.

Highlights
  • Space-themed gameplay
  • Dominoes game
  • Alien opponents
  • Challenging gameplay
Features
Read full description

You landed on an unknown planet where inhabitants like to play dominoes games. Are you good enough to win Mexican Train Dominoes in space?

Screenshots

XG Mobile Backgammon4 screens
Mexican Train1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Mexican Train at 71% against XG Mobile Backgammon's 32%. Mexican Train also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). XG Mobile Backgammon's advantage is iOS requirement (6.0 vs 9.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Mexican Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mexican Train holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 2.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of XG Mobile Backgammon's written reviews are positive against 71% of Mexican Train's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

XG Mobile Backgammon ships an update every 6 weeks, Mexican Train every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
XG Mobile Backgammon versus Mexican Train: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterXG Mobile BackgammonMexican Train
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (1.2K ratings)4.4 (2.7K ratings) — better
Positive reviews31.5% of reviews70.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.2K2.7K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS6.0 — better9.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOpen Roll, LLCIntalanto

Customer experience

XG Mobile Backgammon

All ratings1,237 ratings
Positive71.0%
Neutral7.8%
Negative21.3%
Written reviews403 reviews
Positive31.5%
Neutral17.1%
Negative51.4%

Mexican Train

All ratings2,748 ratings
Positive82.9%
Neutral8.8%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews89 reviews
Positive70.8%
Neutral11.2%
Negative18.0%

User reviews

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

Mexican Train

From 2.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast-paced gameplay
  • 👍 No annoying ads
  • 🤖 Challenging AI opponents
  • 💡 Customizable game settings
  • 🎨 Visually appealing graphics

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional glitches and bugs
  • 🤖 AI opponents not very strategic
  • 🎨 Childish/unappealing aesthetics
  • 🕰️ Moves too quickly, not enough time to play
  • 🤔 Unbalanced gameplay favoring player

Bugs and requests

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

Mexican Train

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Incorrect scoring calculations
  • Inability to play valid moves at times
  • Game freezing or crashing unexpectedly
  • Inconsistent behavior with doubles and end-of-round
  • Placement issues with automatically arranged tiles

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to play against other human players
  • Option to change avatar/background
  • Improved end-game scoring and statistics
  • More control over tile placement and organization
  • Adjustable difficulty levels for AI opponents

In-app purchases

1 purchases

XG Mobile Backgammon

One-time1
  • Premium Version$9.99
None

Mexican Train

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is XG Mobile Backgammon free?
XG Mobile Backgammon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Mexican Train free?
Mexican Train is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, XG Mobile Backgammon or Mexican Train?
Mexican Train is rated higher. XG Mobile Backgammon averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Mexican Train averages 4.4 from 2.7K ratings.
Do XG Mobile Backgammon or Mexican Train have ads?
Neither XG Mobile Backgammon nor Mexican Train shows ads.
Which is updated more often, XG Mobile Backgammon or Mexican Train?
XG Mobile Backgammon ships an update every 6 weeks, and Mexican Train every 2 months. Most recently, XG Mobile Backgammon was updated on September 26, 2026 and Mexican Train on September 26, 2026.

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