Comparison

XG Mobile Backgammon vs Backgammon

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

Backgammon

Master strategy and skill in this classic board game. Move your checkers, hit opponents, and use the doubling cube to increase stakes. Enjoy hours of exciting gameplay on mobile and tablet.

Highlights
  • Move checkers based on dice rolls
  • Hit opponent's checkers
  • Use doubling cube for stakes
  • Play in 1 to 15 point matches
  • Smart and adaptive AI opponent
  • Auto-save progress
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Backgammon Classic, one of the most popular board games in the world! Strategy, skills and good planning will be key to master the game. How to play? • The objective of the game is to be the first player to move all the checkers into their home board and bear them off • The roll of the dice indicates how many points, you can move your checkers • Roll a double to play twice • Hit your opponent’s checkers to remove them from the board • Use the doubling cube to increase the stakes at any point Why choose Backgammon Classic? • Start playing right away with a single touch • Tailored for mobile and tablet devices • Easy to play with a modern and relaxing look • Smart and adaptive opponent AI • Play in 1 or up to 15 points • Double the stakes anytime • Choose the controls • Auto save so that you can resume whenever you want Enjoy now hours of exciting card games with Backgammon!

Screenshots

XG Mobile Backgammon4 screens
Backgammon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon at 4.6 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 update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 11 months). On price, ratings volume 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

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, 4.6 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 735 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 31% of XG Mobile Backgammon's written reviews are positive against 21% of Backgammon's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

XG Mobile Backgammon ships an update every 6 weeks, Backgammon every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
XG Mobile Backgammon versus Backgammon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterXG Mobile BackgammonBackgammon
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (1.2K ratings)4.6 (735 ratings) — better
Positive reviews31.1% of reviews — better21.2% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2K — better735
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS6.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB172 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOpen Roll, LLCBlackout Lab SL

Customer experience

XG Mobile Backgammon

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

Backgammon

All ratings735 ratings
Positive91.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive21.2%
Neutral9.6%
Negative69.2%

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

Backgammon

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

XG Mobile Backgammon

One-time1
  • Premium Version$9.99
None

Backgammon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is XG Mobile Backgammon free?
XG Mobile Backgammon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backgammon free?
Backgammon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon?
Backgammon is rated higher. XG Mobile Backgammon averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Backgammon averages 4.6 from 735 ratings.
Do XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon have ads?
Backgammon shows ads; XG Mobile Backgammon does not.
Which is updated more often, XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon?
XG Mobile Backgammon ships an update every 6 weeks, and Backgammon every 11 months. Most recently, XG Mobile Backgammon was updated on October 13, 2026 and Backgammon on October 10, 2026.

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