Backgammon Classic Board Live 17+

Great but dice rolls are not random

The best backgammon app I have seen and I particularly like the fast pace. However I strongly agree with other reviewers on the dice. I’ve been playing the medium AI setting for a few weeks and I started with a 25% win average. My game improved after I watched the AI’s moves and reached a 45% win average.
Something has recently changed and I am fortunate to win a game at all. The tactics employed by the AI are similar but the dice rolls the computer is getting beggars belief. If I leave a blot open it is now an absolute 100% certainty it will get hit. You can adapt your tactics to suit this bias (which isn’t ideal but manageable) but it does leave something to be desired

Abysmal game - don’t bother

Lazy computing. The only algorithm that adjusts the difficulty is one that looks at what you need (and then throws something else) or what the computer, itself, needs (and then throws exactly that). You will be astonished at how biased the game is. Honestly, it’s like playing against a child who gets to tell you what was thrown, without you being allowed to see the dice. More to the point, it teaches you nothing about the game because the computer suffers effectively zero jeopardy when taking a risk, while there is literally no risk worth you taking, yourself, because you will be punished for it nearly every time. When you have a piece off the board and, say, 3 beds are occupied, marvel at the amount of doubles you throw. When roles are reversed, be amazed and disappointed at how often the computer throws the exact perfect combination to ruin your game. If you have any interest in learning how to play the game, please avoid this version. It has nothing to do with ‘backgammon’ beyond the name of the app and what it looks like. Backgammon is a game of risk, strategy and planning, but when the dice are doped, all that is removed from the equation. Of course it’s easier to program loaded dice than reaction to random throws. A lot easier.

Fair, Fun, and Free!

In my old review I requested doubling for online games and a version of this has been added. Doesn’t change that bad players will generally always accept, and then can get very lucky, but I like that it’s there and the developer remains active. Secondly, the game is not rigged, you’re just not that good. Backgammon is an incredibly simple game in which luck plays a large factor. However, the difference between an excellent player and an average player is knowing where to place your counters in order to maximise rolls. It’s hugely frustrating when the computer seems to get a fortuitous sequence of rolls however, the app simply plays better than your mate or your mum who you can beat regularly and therefore think you’re great. Finally, the review claiming the game is 'ruined' by ads - you're playing on an Apple device but won't pay 99p to remove ads and support a developer who, has not only created this app but, pays to host online games? Seriously, you need to get some perspective in your life.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for the fair and great comment!