Backgammon - Board Games: Classic Strategy & Dice Fun

Backgammon - Board Games is a digital version of one of the world's best-known traditional board games. The game uses a board divided into 24 triangular points, with each player controlling 15 checkers.

The objective is simple: move all of your pieces around the board and into your home area, then bear them off before the opposing player does.

Although the basic rules are easy to understand, winning consistently requires planning, risk management, positioning, and making the best possible use of every dice roll.

The app is developed by Easybrain Ltd and is available for iPhone and iPad. The current U.S. App Store listing has a 4.5/5 rating from more than 83,000 ratings.

Gameplay Overview

Each turn begins with a dice roll. The numbers determine how far your checkers can move.

For example, rolling a 2 and 5 lets you:

• Move one checker 2 points and another 5 points.
• Move one checker a total of 7 points when the rules allow it.
• Choose a move that improves your defensive position.
• Attack an exposed opposing checker.
• Advance checkers toward your home board.

The strategic element comes from deciding which checker should move and where it should finish.

A move that looks good because it advances a checker quickly may actually leave another piece vulnerable. Strong play therefore involves looking beyond the immediate dice result and considering what the opponent could do next.

Classic Backgammon Rules

The app follows the familiar structure of traditional backgammon.

The Board

A standard game uses 24 triangular points. Players move their checkers around the board in opposite directions.

Each player begins with 15 checkers.

Rolling the Dice

Players take turns rolling two dice. Each number represents a possible movement distance.

If the dice show different numbers, both values can normally be used for separate moves or combined into one move when legal.

Doubles

Rolling matching numbers creates a powerful opportunity.

For example, rolling 4-4 gives four separate moves of four points, allowing a total movement of 16 points when legal.

Hitting an Opponent

If an opponent has a single checker on a point and you legally move onto that point, their checker is hit and moved to the central bar.

This can create a major tactical advantage because the opponent must re-enter the checker before continuing with other moves.

Blocked Points

You cannot move a checker onto a point occupied by two or more opposing checkers.

Creating these blocked points is an important defensive technique because it restricts the opponent's movement.

Bearing Off

Once all of your checkers have reached your home board, you can begin removing them from the board.

The first player to bear off all 15 checkers wins the game.

How to Play Backgammon

If you are new to the game, the basic process is easy to follow.

Step 1: Roll the Dice

Start your turn by rolling the two dice.

Step 2: Examine Your Options

Look at all legal moves rather than automatically moving the first available checker.

Step 3: Protect Vulnerable Pieces

Avoid leaving individual checkers exposed unless there is a good strategic reason.

Step 4: Build Points

Two or more checkers on the same point can create a blockade that prevents the opponent from landing there.

Step 5: Attack Carefully

Hitting an exposed opposing checker can be useful, but attacking at the wrong time can expose your own position.

Step 6: Bring Your Checkers Home

Once your pieces reach your home board, focus on bearing them off efficiently.

Step 7: Finish the Race

The winner is the player who removes all 15 checkers first.

Main Features

Classic Backgammon Gameplay

The app retains the familiar rules and structure that make traditional backgammon easy to recognize.

Simple Controls

The straightforward interface lets you concentrate on your moves instead of complicated menus or controls.

Computer Opponents

The current app is designed around playing against a computer-controlled opponent. The developer has specifically stated in an App Store response that online play against friends is not currently available.

Brain-Training Style Gameplay

Backgammon naturally encourages planning, probability awareness, tactical thinking, and decision-making.

Suitable for Different Skill Levels

The basic rules can be learned quickly, while stronger play requires considerably more strategic understanding.

iPhone and iPad Support

The app is available for iPhone and iPad and currently requires iOS 15 or later according to the U.S. App Store listing.

Multiple Languages

The App Store lists English plus 19 additional supported languages, including Arabic, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, and others.

Strategy Tips for Beginners

Backgammon is partly determined by dice, but your decisions still have a major impact on the outcome.

1. Avoid Leaving Blots

A single checker standing alone is vulnerable to being hit. Before making a move, consider whether your checker will become an easy target.

2. Build Strong Points

Placing two or more checkers together creates a point that your opponent cannot occupy.

3. Don't Rush Every Checker

Moving the leading checker as quickly as possible is not always the best choice. A balanced position can be more valuable than raw speed.

4. Think About the Next Roll

Ask yourself what your opponent could do after your move.

5. Use Doubles Wisely

Doubles provide four movement opportunities. Use them to strengthen your board rather than simply moving the same checker repeatedly whenever possible.

Advanced Backgammon Strategy

Experienced players can take advantage of several deeper concepts.

Build a Prime

A series of consecutive blocked points can restrict an opponent's movement. This can become especially powerful when an opposing checker is on the bar.

Create a Strong Home Board

A strong home board makes it harder for an opponent's checker to re-enter after being hit.

Balance Risk and Position

Aggressive attacks can create opportunities, but unnecessary risks can also give the opponent an opening.

Watch the Race

When both players are relatively safe and advancing toward the endgame, the game becomes increasingly focused on movement efficiency and dice probability.

Consider Future Flexibility

A move that gives you several useful options on future rolls can be better than one that provides only an immediate advantage.

Beginner's Guide

New players should concentrate on five fundamentals:

1. Learn how movement works.
2. Understand blocked points.
3. Learn when hitting is advantageous.
4. Keep your checkers connected when possible.
5. Practice recognizing safe and unsafe positions.

The biggest improvement usually comes from learning to evaluate the board before making a move.

Advanced Player Tips

Once the basic rules become familiar, start thinking in terms of position rather than individual checkers.

A strong player asks:

• How many safe points do I have?
• How exposed are my checkers?
• Can I create a blockade?
• Can my opponent hit me after this move?
• What happens if I roll poorly next turn?
• Is the game currently a race or a positional battle?
• Should I attack or consolidate?

These questions turn a simple dice game into a deeper strategy experience.

Game Difficulty

Backgammon has a gentle learning curve but a much deeper skill ceiling.

Beginner: Easy to understand the movement rules and basic objective.

Intermediate: Requires better board awareness, risk management, and positioning.

Advanced: Requires thinking several moves ahead, understanding probabilities, and recognizing when to attack, defend, or race.

The computer opponent can also provide a more challenging experience as you become comfortable with the fundamentals.

Does Backgammon Require Internet?

One advantage of the current app is its focus on computer-controlled gameplay. The developer has confirmed that the app currently allows players to play against a computer rather than waiting for an online opponent.

This makes it convenient for quick games when you simply want to practice or relax.

Online Multiplayer

Players looking for online matches or friend-to-friend games should be aware that this particular version does not currently provide online multiplayer according to the developer's App Store response.

That is an important distinction when comparing this app with backgammon games specifically designed around online competition.

Advertising and In-App Purchases

The game is free to download but contains advertising and optional in-app purchases.

The U.S. App Store currently lists a Remove Ads purchase for $14.99.

Players who prefer uninterrupted games may therefore find the ad-removal option useful.

Player Experience

The overall experience is focused on the board itself rather than unnecessary complexity.

The clean presentation makes the game approachable for casual players, while the underlying rules give experienced backgammon fans plenty to think about.

Player feedback is generally positive, although some reviews raise concerns about perceived dice randomness and difficulty against computer opponents. In developer responses, Easybrain states that the dice system is designed to be fair and random and has invited players to provide data when they notice unusual patterns.

That distinction is worth mentioning because perceived dice streaks are a recurring topic in player reviews, but the developer does not acknowledge the dice system as intentionally favoring the computer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Classic backgammon rules
• Easy-to-understand controls
• Good for beginners and experienced players
• Computer-controlled opponents
• Suitable for short sessions
• Supports iPhone and iPad
• Multiple language options
• Optional ad removal

Cons

• No online multiplayer with friends
• Contains advertising
• In-app purchases are available
• Some players have criticized perceived dice patterns
• Competitive online players may prefer a dedicated multiplayer backgammon app

Technical Details

Game: Backgammon - Board Games
Developer: Easybrain Ltd
Category: Board
Platform: iPhone and iPad
Age Rating: 13+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Current U.S. App Store Rating: 4.5/5 from 83K ratings
Current U.S. App Store Size: 237.6 MB
Required OS: iOS 15.0 or later
Languages: English plus 19 additional languages
Latest listed version: 1.12.0
Latest update: August 21, 2026
Latest update focus: Performance and stability improvements

Latest Updates

The latest listed version is 1.12.0, released on August 21, 2026.

The update focuses on performance and stability improvements rather than introducing a major new gameplay system. The version history also shows several earlier updates centered on improving stability and performance.

Who Should Play Backgammon - Board Games?

This game is a good choice for:

• People discovering backgammon for the first time
• Traditional board-game fans
• Players who enjoy strategy and probability
• People looking for short, relaxing games
• Players who want to practice against a computer
• Fans of classic dice games

It may be less suitable for players whose main priority is online multiplayer competition with friends.

Backgammon vs Other Board Games

Backgammon sits somewhere between a traditional board game and a tactical strategy game.

Unlike chess, where there is no randomness, backgammon introduces dice rolls that force players to adapt their plans.

Unlike a purely luck-based dice game, however, players have substantial control over how they use each roll.

That combination of probability and decision-making is what gives backgammon its distinctive character.

Expert Rating

Gameplay: 8.5/10
Strategy: 9/10
Controls: 8.5/10
Graphics & Presentation: 8/10
Beginner Friendly: 9/10
Replay Value: 8.5/10
Multiplayer: 5/10
Overall: 8.3/10

Final Verdict

Backgammon - Board Games is a straightforward mobile adaptation of the classic dice-and-strategy board game.

Its strongest quality is simplicity. You can start playing without learning a complicated control system, yet the underlying backgammon rules provide enough strategic depth to keep experienced players thinking about every move.

The lack of online multiplayer is the biggest limitation for players who want to challenge friends remotely. However, for people who want a convenient way to play traditional backgammon against a computer, the app offers an accessible and polished experience.

If you enjoy classic board games, tactical decision-making, probability, and short strategic matches, this is an easy game to add to your mobile library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Backgammon - Board Games free?

Yes. The app is free to download and includes optional in-app purchases. Advertising is also present.

Can I play against the computer?

Yes. The developer confirms that the current app supports playing against a computer-controlled opponent.

Can I play Backgammon online with friends?

Not currently in this version. The developer has stated that online play with other people is not currently available.

How many checkers does each player have?

Each player starts with 15 checkers.

How many points are on a backgammon board?

A standard backgammon board contains 24 triangular points.

What happens when I roll doubles?

Doubles give you four moves using the number rolled. For example, rolling 4-4 provides four four-point moves when legally possible.

Can I hit another player's checker?

Yes. If your checker lands on a point occupied by a single opposing checker, that checker is hit and moved to the bar.

What happens when all my checkers reach home?

You can begin bearing them off. The first player to remove all 15 checkers wins.

Does the game support iPad?

Yes. The App Store lists both iPhone and iPad compatibility.

What iOS version is required?

The current U.S. listing requires iOS 15.0 or later.