Backgammon NJ

Name: AppWolf
Price: 19 USD

Jimmy Hu

Games

Released 9/1/2009First seen 3mo agoLast fetched 11d ago

App Store Compare

Latest Snapshot

Apple App StoreUS · 2026-10-06

Score

4.40

Ratings

1.5K

Reviews

Version

7.0.2

Lifetime

Rank history · 30d

App Storebest rank per day, all markets

Media

Screenshots from the App Store.

About

● 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 Play & learn backgammon at skill levels ranging from beginner to world-class! Backgammon NJ 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 & other players. Using Tutor Mode & Hints, Backgammon NJ 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 and friends." -Phil Simborg, Professional Backgammon Teacher and 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 and 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 points • 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 • User-friendly, tap-to-move interface • Highlighted checker movement options • Hint & Undo • Learn with Status Meter & 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

Reviews

SentimentFeature requests only

Theme

Filter·

50 of 50 loaded reviews

Apple

mixed (0.20)

Feature request

16d ago

Great game

With the updates to iOS this is no longer stable for on line play crash on the first move 75% of the time. Try and play every day. Love the new online play very fast server. Much better than fibs. But I hate people that abort. Please let tag them as quitters. This game is as good as jellyfish. If you are a casual player ( never played in a tourney, fibs rating under 2000, never read strstegy books). This game will eat you up. It is that good. This game is like having a world champion in your pocket. While backgammon is a game of chance because of dice. How you play is HUGELY important. I am convinced this game does not cheat. It just beats me. Now will somebody write a reliable fibs app. Good luck.

- Blispers · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

22d ago

Loaded Dice

The computer constantly gets double 4, 5, or 6 multiple times in a game while I rarely get any doubles.

- Mugren O. · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1mo ago

Not the best backgammon game

The game gives itself quads on a far to frequent basis not realistic play

- GKP123 · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.70)

1mo ago

Gammon.

Like this game play everyday

- redfisher18 · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.90)

1mo ago

Fantastic backgammon game

I thought I was a very strong player until I played against the experts of this game with my butt laugh out loud

- Jiffer ben · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.90)

1mo ago

Best Backgammon app

Best $5 I’ve spent on an app.

- Whosvmax · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-1.00)

2mo ago

RIGGED BEYOND BELIEF

Holy cow - what a waste of $5. This game doesn’t even TRY to be fair. The computer rolls doubles more than 50% of the time during every single game. If I get a double, it’s only for ones. Hilarious. Greed is a terrible thing. Do not support this developer with your money like I did. The developer is a con. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS APP!!!

- YogaFan11 · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.70)

2mo ago

Great game!

Great

- Skidogn · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.80)

2mo ago

My favorite board

This just seems like old-fashioned backgammon weather without all the flashing stuff, it’s easy and fun and it’s my go to when I feel like I need a game

- kikapoo2 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.50)

3mo ago

Bs on fair rolls

Not going to read supposed documents. Ok interface with options, rolls are not random

- Mother of murray · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (-0.30)

3mo ago

Clunky

Overall the game is pretty good. It is insanely frustrating that I have to wait a long time to leave an online match when the other player doesn’t accept. There are some other things that could be polished but the fact I sit there forever waiting to leave a match wastes too much of my time to give this 5 stars.

- Logi 8 · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.90)

3mo ago

Longtime player

I’ve been playing this app for longer than I can remember, and it remains my “go to” app for playing a good, solid game of backgammon. Nackgammon option is also fun for a change of pace. Five stars!

- Jakerfaker · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (0.10)

4mo ago

Great but feels like loaded dice

Great app for improving your backgammon skills because it clearly shows the best possible moves and helps you understand strategy. The interface is smooth and easy to use. My only complaint is that the dice rolls often feel skewed in favor of the computer, especially in key moments, which can make matches frustrating. If the dice felt more balanced, this would be an excellent app.

- tennnisfan · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-1.00)

4mo ago

Trash

Horrible. Cheats both ways which I’m not looking for either way. Want my money back

- Esq77 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.85)

5mo ago

Whatever—Jimmy’s making bank

I have used this app for years; deleting in frustration, reinstalling because I don’t know of a better. I am just tired now. The perfectly non-random roll generator—look at Jimmy’s evidence. It’s just not a fun challenge to try to beat a rigged engine anymore. Thanks for the years of it. May 2026 Update: And now the dude is charging $8 for the app.—Just know that you will learn but never win.

- TRVS0R · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.70)

7mo ago

Can See the Future

The computer ABSOLUTELY knows what rolls are coming. That’s cheating. I think I have the ability to look ahead as well–but that would be cheating.

- nursenancy23 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.60)

7mo ago

Dice Engine Issue

I don’t believe the game is rigged. However there are definitely issues with the dice roll engine.

- CoreRem8200 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

7mo ago

There’s 5 bucks down the toilet

This app is a joke. Rigged. Dice are not anywhere near random.

- Cf0408 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.60)

7mo ago

Lucky computer

The computer seems to get more lucky rolls than the player, the player seems to get more doubles when they are in position where they can’t use them

- Larry5965 · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.90)

7mo ago

One of the best

Have been playing for years. Never get tired of playing.

- musicwiz123 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.60)

7mo ago

Good UI bad dice alg

Just know that there’s really no such thing as random dice when you’re playing the computer. It knows what it needs so just be prepared. When it starts getting every role it needs just start a new game. If you accept a double it will absolutely get what it needs.

- sfleisch · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (-0.10)

8mo ago

Good enough but…

Not the worst, but leaves a few things to be desired. I do like how customizable the gameplay is. App works smoothly and gameplay is intuitive. Cons: Despite what the developers insist, there’s no possible way that the ai isn’t aware of the dice rolls coming up… it gives “hints” and judges/rates your moves based on what will be rolled next. Also as noted in other reviews, the computer on hard gets LOTS of very lucky rolls including repeated doubles during the end game… All of that being said it’s as good of a backgammon app as I’ve come across so far.

- Kewel dooderino · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.70)

8mo ago

Oh the doubles that cheat

Good interface but never fails that the computer gets gifts of doubles at the end of close games to win. Why isn’t there a fair game out there?

- EskerChance · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (0.10)

9mo ago

comprehensive for real time play

came to this platform from another that had no controls to handle a player who delays, hoping you’ll abort and lose points. this app’s 90 seconds rule helps tremendously. regarding playing heads up with the app/ai; no matter how i’ve’ ‘altered’ how i play(ie, minimizing open pieces) it definitely is a bit frustrating. in summary,i wanted some integrity of an online player that i’d never let get away with slow play.

- rebs 43 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

9mo ago

Not a Fair Game

+1 to all the complaints about this game being rigged. Whatever logic this game uses for rolls ensures the computer always has the advantage. The stats page even shows this, with the computer rolling a far superior amount of doubles and very opportune numbers. Find another, fair app to play on instead.

- WestCoastTank · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

9mo ago

Frustrating!

Game is not enjoyable when rigged.

- mascara_bleeds · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

10mo ago

The rolls are rigged

Opponent always rolls doubles during the end game. The AI opponent also gets amazingly luck while I never do. The opponent goes first 80% of the time. Skip this game. It could be good, but the developer is @#$#$ with you.

- Rocknharp · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.95)

10mo ago

100 percent dishonest

I don’t care how many times these app creators say the dice are fair they’re just not saying the truth . I’m a very good player and I have a hard time beating it sometimes . . I mean the computer gets 6 :1 4 times in a row to hit me because if it didn’t it would definitely lose the game . 4 times in a row same numbers . Ok . For the app makers you’re just insulting people’s intelligence .

- Sinfulcry · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.60)

Feature request

11mo ago

Best option; 1 potential improvement

Excellent. Only improvement would be to make the workflow to improvement with hints easier. Ex: player moves, then can see an overlay of best possible move.

- paperio2 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.70)

11mo ago

Rigged

It’s so painfully obvious how it’s rigged to the computer winning when you have to try and roll in 15 times and the computer rolls in after the first try.

- NFG777 · v7.0.2

Apple

neutral (-0.20)

1y ago

Question about ratings

If I won the first game in on the second game, we got disconnected. Why my ELO went down and my appointments went up.

- Destroyer 2012 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.80)

1y ago

Rolls are rigged, I don’t care what the developer says

It’s a bit offensive that the developers specifically says that the app doesn’t cheat and that the rolls all Match the expected distribution. Perhaps all If the rolls in one game match the expected distribution, but doubles are insanely concentrated in the end game. And, the app definitely looks ahead as it often makes moves that no sane player would make unless they knew the next roll. It’s time for me to look for a different app.

- Seriously-are-all-nicknames-taken · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (0.10)

Feature request

1y ago

Good but missing functions

No clock which is annoying.

- SoJo115 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Cheats

Just when I thought I purchased a decent backgammon game, I'm fooled once more. Despite what the developer says, this game cheats when it's losing. The rolls are rigged always in favor of the computer. You're better off breaking out a physical game board and playing one-on-one with a real person.

- JerryDiBerris · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-1.00)

1y ago

There Is Absolutely No Way Those Dice Rolls Are Statistically Possible

Honestly? Are you a sociopath? Why is it important for you for the computer to beat players and somehow get a perfect roll of the dice every time? Do you enjoy how angry we all are? What is wrong with you????

- dhebdjed · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Another cheat - don’t waste your $

Despite the fact the dice rolls are available to view ahead of time, it absolutely is checking the rolls before it moves. If i had the time i could check them too before moving but wheres the fun in that. No one, except an ai bot is that lucky. This is one if the worst. 7.99 wasted, deleted the game. I’ll play the other cheating games for free.

- Me2me2me2123 · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (-0.40)

1y ago

Stacked against you

While the game play is good, the fact that the developer has to build in a “the game doesn’t cheat” answer into the App should tell you something. When you get to higher levels, the AI nearly always goes first, and is absolutely aware of the upcoming roles. So while the developer says there can’t be any cheating because all of the roles are known and it’s not favoring the AI, that’s just fundamentally false. The AI does know all the upcoming rolls and knows exactly how to play them. So you will see it time and time again playing a perfect game because it knows exactly what it’s die are going to be, and exactly how to win the game. Can you beat this game on hard? Yes. Is everything in favor of the AI?? You’ll be the judge. Update: I read another review that said if you switch to manual rolls, you’ll see just how skewed the game is toward AI. This turned out to be 100% correct. When I started using manual rolls, the whole game shifted again, even at the hardest level. The AI performed much worse, confirming my belief that the game is stacked against you. That’s a bummer because you don’t want to have to manual roll every game. But at least now I know I’m not insane… and started winning games again. Lol.

- Brice the Red · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.95)

1y ago

This game cheats, period.

No matter what the creators say, the game is entirely rigged. I can predict with high accuracy what it will do to improve its position. If you like taking on a cheater, then this game is for you, but don’t expect not to be frustrated and disgusted by how anyone could create something so obviously unfair. It will only diminish your hopes for humanity.

- MissBelle 2000 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Horrible UI

This was horrible to use. I was excited for a game with better random dice rolls, but it was so clunky and I don’t recommend it at ALL. I played 2 games over 15 min, then submitted a refund request and was denied—decision final. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS GAME!

- carolinagirl12 · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Fake Reviews

This app must have fake reviews. It is lame and locks up my phone. The movement of the pieces is difficult. The graphics are lame. Don’t waste your money. It’s a pain!

- dl@srq3dogs · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.80)

1y ago

Waste of money…

Impossible to play against the computer. Hits 99.9% of all rolls. They say it’s random but definitely not. It’s crazy how the computer rolls exactly what it needs 99.99% of the time.

- AP MANKIS the 3rd · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Rigged

This app is surely rigged against you! The staggering number of doubles that come up against you it is clearly evident of problems in the underlying software. It is just there to frustrate you so the enjoyment of the game is lost. Would not recommend this app.

- Some1tall · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

Cheats

It does cheat no matter what developer may say

- FLYBOYTIM · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.70)

1y ago

Good game and tutor

By using the hints, I can check my judgment against the games.

- ShroomChef · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

1y ago

El nivel de juego lo tiene manipulando los dados. No lo recomiendo.

Es una vergüenza como manipula el azar. Pésimo!

- Jaaldu · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (0.50)

Feature request

1y ago

Excellent learning tool, but….

Best bg app around. Would suggest two improvements: First, have a setting where you can dictate your own range of Elo rating to be matched up with. The plus/minus 200 point thing is weak. Secondly, don’t include turns on the bar and forced moves in the calculation of the error rate. The error rates are inflated (deflated?) due to this. XG does not include these two things in their er calculation.

- Cream is beloved · v7.0.2

Apple

negative (-0.90)

Feature request

1y ago

Interrupting play to beg for a review

Please, please, please stop interrupting my play to beg for a review. I know this has become a standard ask in apps but it is incredibly annoying and the app will always get a one star review from me for the practice

- gdfhtf CHN irrgh · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (1.00)

1y ago

Great game!

I’ve been playing this game daily for years, and have enjoyed many hours of challenging backgammon. Thank you very much for this fine product! Update 2024: I’m 81 years old and still playing every day with pleasure, and I seem to be winning more often than before. Mr. Hu, I am very grateful.

- Alaska Surveyor · v7.0.2

Apple

mixed (0.20)

1y ago

Fun game

But dice seem not very random

- gilwo · v7.0.2

Apple

positive (0.90)

2y ago

Best backgammon game available

The graphics aren’t as snazzy nor are the sound effects as crisp as some other BG games but there is no equal to the uniquely realistic gameplay in BGNJ. The AI is superb, the gameplay is fair. Any reports of “rigging of the dice” is a delusion in the mind of the player. Tutor modes and game analysis allow you to see your errors and really improve your game. Another highlight, the “league” of players is small but highly skilled and devoted. Best of all there is no constant “buy in” for chips or coins. You buy the game once and that’s it. The rest is playing and improving your ER. There is a crashing issue that seems to be a function of Game Center, so says the developer. It’s still the best game out there. One suggestion: open up the microphone. Then players could talk to each other in real time. Would save typing in the chat window and would make the game very social.

- gupta finelli · v7.0.2

Latest Snapshot

Rank history · 30d

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Chart presence (7d)

Recent Chart Appearances

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Ratings velocity (24h)

Recent versions

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Reviews

Great game

Loaded Dice

Not the best backgammon game

Gammon.

Fantastic backgammon game

Best Backgammon app

RIGGED BEYOND BELIEF

Great game!

My favorite board

Bs on fair rolls

Clunky

Longtime player

Great but feels like loaded dice

Trash

Whatever—Jimmy’s making bank

Can See the Future

Dice Engine Issue

There’s 5 bucks down the toilet

Lucky computer

One of the best

Good UI bad dice alg

Good enough but…

Oh the doubles that cheat

comprehensive for real time play

Not a Fair Game

Frustrating!

The rolls are rigged

100 percent dishonest

Best option; 1 potential improvement

Rigged

Question about ratings

Rolls are rigged, I don’t care what the developer says

Good but missing functions

Cheats

There Is Absolutely No Way Those Dice Rolls Are Statistically Possible

Another cheat - don’t waste your $

Stacked against you

This game cheats, period.

Horrible UI

Fake Reviews

Waste of money…

Rigged

Cheats

Good game and tutor

El nivel de juego lo tiene manipulando los dados. No lo recomiendo.

Excellent learning tool, but….

Interrupting play to beg for a review

Great game!

Fun game

Best backgammon game available

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