Backgammon with 16 Games Reviews
4/5 rating based on 15 reviews. Read all reviews for Backgammon with 16 Games for iPhone.
Backgammon with 16 Games is free iOS app published by Boyan Paskalev
High hopes dashed
rickmbari
I had high hopes for this game. I learned a backgammon variant from some Jordanian friends and this game is the only one I found that includes this variation, under the name of Plakoto/Tapa. I have not played standard backgammon so this review applies only to that variation, but I suspect I would find the same issues in all games First of all, I strongly suspect the game uses loaded dice. This game begins with two checkers on the 24 point and all the other checkers in hand but presumed to be also on the 24 point. Therefore you almost always start with a number of blots on the 18 through 23 points. I have played hundreds of games and quite often find my virtual opponent rolling big doubles, allowing him to hit my checkers early. In this variation, getting hit deep in your starting territory is a huge disadvantage and almost certainly results in a loss unless you can do the same to your opponent. The thing is, in these hundreds of games, I have NEVER ROLLED LARGE DOUBLES early in the game. Not once. In addition, I have found that if I leave a blot, my opponent is almost guaranteed to hit it’s even if it requires rolling eleven or doubles. This is all highly suspect. Second, I think it has the scoring wrong. On your turn, you have the option of doubling, rolling the dice, or surrendering. The way I learned backgammon, if a player offers to surrender, the other player can either accept and win at the current value of the doubling cube, or decline and play on in hopes of making a gammon or backgammon. I believe the scoring for a surrender should be the same as if you had declined a double; however, if I surrender before I start bearing off, the game counts it as a loss at twice the current value, as if I had lost with a gammon. A third issue: I usually win matches anyway, despite having no background or expertise. I think that’s a good sign that the AI, as they ostentatiously call it, is a pretty lousy player.
Don't bother
Erbski-7734
The likelihood that the game cheats is extremely high. The instances of suspect play are too many to list but there's no more telling instance than having me throw eight straight 3-4 rolls to prevent my checker from re-entering the game while the computer brings all his checkers home and starts to bear them off. If your own play is weak, the computer seems to allow truly randomized die rolls. But if your play is strong, it seems as though the AI will use less than random die rolls to slow you down and help itself. So, if you are a good player, best you try another backgammon app and don't bother with this one.
Not Very Good
elliejf
The game doesn't even have a doubling cube. The skill levels of the AI are also lacking. You can either choose defensive or agressive styles for the AI. Those realy aren't skill levels.
Agree....not the best out there
Jojom2012mjojo
Slow....and I hate being forced to make one more move just to tell the game that I'm through with my move.
Good game but Too slow
Iakefutkot
Has everything but speed which makes really annoying for someone like me who has played the game for a long time.
Goforit
Yahzi5
I love backgammon however this game does give the better rolls to the computer. Rolling doubles, higher & lower #'s when needed, making it frustrating, however I have not found a better one that doesn't cheat. :(