About Backgammon Plus
I downloaded Backgammon Plus on a whim, looking for something to play during my commute. I’ve tried a few digital backgammon apps before, but this one from Zynga actually stuck. It’s not trying to reinvent the classic game; instead, it focuses on making it easy to pick up and play, with just enough polish to keep things interesting. As someone who plays more for fun than for being a grandmaster, I found it hit the right balance.
Features & Highlights
The feature set here is solid for a free app. The online multiplayer is the star for me—I can usually find a match in under 30 seconds, and the Elo-style ranking system means I’m mostly paired with people at my skill level (which is mercifully middling). I also appreciate the daily challenges; they’re little puzzles that force me to think differently, like winning in a set number of moves. The board and piece customizations are fun, though I mostly stick with the classic wood-grain look. One thing I didn’t expect to use was the match statistics page. After a losing streak, I checked it and realized I was being way too aggressive early game. It’s a simple touch that actually helped me improve.
User Experience
Playing feels good. The pieces slide smoothly when you drag them, and the dice roll with a satisfying animation that isn’t too slow. I remember one specific online match where I was way behind. I managed to pull off a comeback with a lucky double, and the little “Great Move!” pop-up from the game somehow felt genuinely rewarding. The interface is clean, so I’m not hunting for buttons. My only gripe is that the chat feature from opponents is almost always just “Good luck!” or “Hello!”—it feels a bit canned and not really a place for conversation.
Pricing
The app is free to download and play. You can earn in-game coins by winning or through daily bonuses, which you use to buy cosmetic items like new boards or piece designs. There are optional purchases if you want to buy coin packs, but I’ve never felt pressured to spend money. All the core gameplay—playing against AI, online matches, the tutorials—is completely free. For a zero-dollar investment, it’s absolutely worth it.
Updates & Support
Zynga seems to update the app every few months, usually with minor bug fixes or a new seasonal board theme. I haven’t had any major bugs, but once my game froze during a dice roll. I used the “Report a Problem” link in the settings, and I got a generic but timely email response within a day asking for more details. It’s not white-glove service, but it shows they have some support channel in place.
Security & Privacy
I downloaded it directly from the Google Play Store. The app does show ads between games, which is standard for a free title. They’re usually video ads for other mobile games that you can skip after 5 seconds. As for privacy, the app’s data collection is pretty typical: it gathers gameplay data for analytics and probably for targeting those ads. You need a Zynga account (or Facebook) to play online, so they’re linking that activity to a profile. It’s not the most privacy-focused model, but it’s on par with most free social games.
How does the online multiplayer matchmaking work in Backgammon Plus?
The game uses an Elo-style ranking system to pair you with players of similar skill, and matches typically start within 30 seconds. This helps keep games fair and competitive, especially for casual players who don't want to face experts every time.
What kind of daily challenges are available in Backgammon Plus?
Daily challenges are puzzle-like scenarios that ask you to win under specific conditions, such as finishing a game in a set number of moves. They force you to think strategically and are a great way to practice different tactics outside of standard matches.
Why is the in-game chat so limited, and can I have real conversations with opponents?
The chat feature is mostly limited to preset phrases like "Good luck!" and "Hello!" which can feel canned. Unfortunately, there's no free-text chat option, so you won't be able to have real conversations with opponents during matches.
I keep losing early games—how can I improve my strategy in Backgammon Plus?
Check the match statistics page after your games to spot patterns, like being too aggressive in the opening. The stats can reveal weaknesses in your play style, and adjusting your strategy based on that data can help you improve quickly.
How does Backgammon Plus compare to other backgammon apps like Backgammon Live?
Backgammon Plus feels more polished and user-friendly, with smoother animations and a cleaner interface than many competitors. It also offers daily puzzles and match statistics that help you improve, whereas apps like Backgammon Live often focus more on social features without the same depth of gameplay tools.
