Comparison

XG Mobile Backgammon vs Backgammon by Staple Games

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 by Staple Games

Experience the classic game of Backgammon with a focus on simplicity and pure enjoyment. This app offers clean graphics and intuitive controls for an undistracted gameplay experience. It's designed for players who appreciate the core mechanics of the game.

Highlights
  • Pure Backgammon gameplay
  • Simple and classic design
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Clean graphics
  • No distractions
Features
Read full description

Backgammon at its best.  Dive into the pure essence of Backgammon with our app. Celebrate the simplicity and classic nature of Backgammon. With easy-to-use controls and clean graphics, our Backgammon app offers nothing but the game you love. No distractions, no excess—just pure Backgammon enjoyment.

Screenshots

XG Mobile Backgammon4 screens
Backgammon by Staple Games4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon by Staple Games at 4.6 against XG Mobile Backgammon's 3.9. Backgammon by Staple Games also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (46% vs 31%). XG Mobile Backgammon's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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 by Staple Games asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Backgammon by Staple Games holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 2.5K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of XG Mobile Backgammon's written reviews are positive against 46% of Backgammon by Staple Games's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
XG Mobile Backgammon versus Backgammon by Staple Games: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterXG Mobile BackgammonBackgammon by Staple Games
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (1.2K ratings)4.6 (2.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews31.1% of reviews46.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.2K2.5K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS6.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB170 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOpen Roll, LLCStaple Games

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 by Staple Games

All ratings2,517 ratings
Positive91.9%
Neutral6.3%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews56 reviews
Positive46.4%
Neutral23.2%
Negative30.4%

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

Backgammon by Staple Games

From 2.5K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast gameplay
  • 👍 Simple and good design
  • 🎨 Great art style

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Dice rolls seem unfair
  • 👎 User-unfriendly interface
  • 🎨 Hard to see game pieces
  • 💰 Too many ads

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 by Staple Games

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Incorrect move counting
  • Game gets stuck on ads

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add doubling cube feature
  • Improve AI difficulty settings
  • Add undo/cancel button
  • Provide rules and procedures

In-app purchases

1 purchases

XG Mobile Backgammon

One-time1
  • Premium Version$9.99
None

Backgammon by Staple Games

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is XG Mobile Backgammon free?
XG Mobile Backgammon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backgammon by Staple Games free?
Backgammon by Staple Games is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon by Staple Games?
Backgammon by Staple Games is rated higher. XG Mobile Backgammon averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Backgammon by Staple Games averages 4.6 from 2.5K ratings.
Do XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon by Staple Games have ads?
Backgammon by Staple Games shows ads; XG Mobile Backgammon does not.
Which is updated more often, XG Mobile Backgammon or Backgammon by Staple Games?
XG Mobile Backgammon ships an update every 6 weeks, and Backgammon by Staple Games every 2 months. Most recently, XG Mobile Backgammon was updated on October 19, 2026 and Backgammon by Staple Games on October 19, 2026.

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